‘Must focus on global peace to help smaller countries’

UDAIPUR: Smaller and developing countries will be hit hardest if there is a lack of peace and harmony on the international stage and that is one of the factors driving India’s decision to act as the voice of the Global South during India’s G20 presidency, the country’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant told Rezaul Laskar in an interview.

As you set the ball rolling for the first meeting of G20 Sherpas under India’s presidency, you mentioned that the needs of the Global South are the greatest. What has prompted India to act as the voice of the developing countries?

I have constantly emphasised on the Global South because we have to take care of the 70 countries which are suffering from a debt crisis. Now, if the debt crisis happens in one part of the world, it’ll have a spiralling impact on other parts of the world. Therefore, it’s very important that we are able to be the voice of the

Global south. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said we should be the voice of the Global South. That is the real challenge for us. What has happened is that if we are able to figure out all the concerns of the Global South, then it gives you that much more. You know you are caring for the citizens of the world. G20 is not just about the world’s 20 largest economies. G20 is about transforming the world. Secondly, Sherpas are representatives of the leaders and the Sherpas have to take care of the citizens.

As the Sherpas start setting the agenda, what will be the focus of India’s message?

There are several things India has achieved that can benefit the world – in digital public infrastructure and the technological transformation. The vast amount of firstly, [creation of] digital identity. Secondly, opening of bank accounts in large numbers. Thirdly, data empowerment of citizens. Fourthly, fast payments. A detailed presentation was made on what India has achieved.

There is also talk about climate action and the developed countries not committing as much as they should be doing?

That issue was raised [on Monday]. Climate finance and the issue of multilateral institutional reforms was also raised not only by us, but in the presentation made by finance secretary on the finance track issues. What we are trying to say is that India’s priorities on the Sherpa track, finance track and engagement group track will all converge and integrate towards India’s interests.