Photo: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi

The G20 Summit begins today in New Delhi.

The summit will be the culmination of a series of ministerial and working group meetings that took place in the past year. It seeks to set priorities on issues such as trade and investment and digital economy for around 85% of the world’s GDP, which includes countries like the US, Russia, China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and the EU.

However, the G20 will have to address the absence of Putin and Xi Jinping which signals a decay in the group to converge multiple interests. India’s role as a bridge between Russia and Western allies will be challenged as the final communique may be vetoed if the G20 decides to make an official stand on the war in Ukraine. Although unlikely, increasing tension between India and China, and the recent empowerment of BRICS means Russia and China rely less on the G20 to promote their foreign policy.

In the short term, India has recognized the importance of including developing countries if the G20 aims to maintain its influence. Likely, India and the EU will advocate for the inclusion of the African Union during this weekend. In the mid to long term, the strained relations caused by the war and trade disputes will encourage China and Russia to shift their attention to new organizations such as the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the upcoming Belt & Road Forum.