The Gujarat assembly recently passed a resolution claiming that India received the G20 presidency due to the “continuous efforts” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The resolution, tabled by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), praises PM Modi’s leadership and diplomatic skills. However, the opposition Congress party contested this claim, stating that the presidency is given to G20 member countries by rotation, and 2022 was simply India’s turn.
Minister of State for Cooperation Jagdish Vishwakarma moved the resolution during the second day of the Monsoon session. The text mentioned that even U.S. President Joe Biden praised India’s presidency, stating it proved the G20’s capability to resolve crucial global issues. “When the world economy is facing challenges such as climate change and war, PM Modi’s strong determination and diplomacy were key in resolving many issues,” Vishwakarma said.
However, Congress MLA Arjun Modhwadia sought to “correct the record,” reminding the assembly that India’s turn for the G20 presidency was part of a rotational system. Modhwadia argued that India’s global respect was not solely due to a single individual but was the result of the country’s overall stature on the world stage. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi received respect and accolades from across the world because he represents India, not because of someone’s efforts,” he said.
The Congress leader also pointed to the achievements of past Indian prime ministers like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who were instrumental in forming important international blocs like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), SAARC, and BRICS. Modhwadia further noted that key leaders from Russia and China did not attend the recent G20 Summit. “In 1983, under the former PM Indira Gandhi’s leadership, a summit of 150 countries was held and leaders from 100 countries attended it. So this is not the first time,” he added.
The Congress MLA also warned against using foreign policy for political gains. “Don’t turn foreign policy into your party’s policy and don’t do politics over the country’s foreign policy,” he said. The debate in the assembly shows the differing perspectives on how India’s international standing should be perceived and credited, with the ruling party emphasizing the role of current leadership, while the opposition highlights systemic and historical factors.