Opinion In a world marred by conflict, PM Modi is a consensus-builder par excellence

As the G20 Leaders’ Summit convened amidst significant global tensions, the world watched with anxiety whether the summit would reduce the discord or increase it. The G20 summit, to everyone’s surprise and happiness, ended with a resolute decision to reduce global fissures, widen the lens of global priorities, and enlarge the G20 family with more representation from the Global South.

The initiative to bring everyone to the table and secure a consensus had the distinct imprint of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Steering the G20 leadership with finesse, he turned areas of trust deficit into bridges of shared confidence, while amplifying the voices of the Global South. Under India’s leadership, the East and West converged, and the Global North showed sensitive receptivity to the Global South, a move truly unique in the history of international relations.

In the Summit’s backdrop, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor crystallised, receiving endorsement not just from its stakeholders but from the entire G7 consortium. At this critical moment, Indian leadership could be seen skilfully navigating apprehensions, fostering unity among global leaders.

To many across the globe, this approach might have appeared unexpected. Yet, those acquainted with PM Modi’s life and lived principles would identify this as his characteristic style: Taking everyone along and forging a consensus, especially in the face of stark disagreements.

When he took on national leadership, he brought with him the fine ideals of bringing all stakeholders together and finding solutions to deep-rooted issues. While many of these issues could have been tackled through dialogue, they remained unresolved, often due to a lack of political will.

A testament to this is his maiden visit to Bangladesh. For years, it was considered that India and Bangladesh should sign the Land Boundary Agreement but consecutive governments kept dithering. Alongside Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, PM Modi resolved the longstanding Land Boundary Agreement, a thorn in bilateral ties for over four decades. Rallying India’s diverse political spectrum to ratify this agreement was no small achievement. The unanimous endorsement it received in the Lok Sabha, marking it as the 100th Constitutional amendment, highlighted PM Modi’s ability to transcend political divides for the greater good.

Bangladesh’s then Foreign Minister, A H Mahmud Ali, credited PM Modi for giving momentum to India-Bangladesh ties.

A prime example of PM Modi’s approach to governance was evident during India’s monumental tax overhaul, the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Rather than unilateral decisions, he championed a collaborative spirit, ensuring each state had an active voice in shaping the GST’s contours. This once-elusive tax reform became tangible through a meticulous process of extensive consultations and the PM’s leadership that evoked trust, even among the non-BJP states. Today, the positive trajectory of GST revenues highlights its success and the buoyancy of the Indian economy.
PM Modi’s ability to heal old wounds has brought a new era of peace and prosperity in the Northeast. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the Bodo Accord ended 50 years of unrest in Assam. The Bru-Reang agreement resettled 37,000 displaced individuals in Tripura.

The National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) Agreement curtailed long-standing insurgencies. With over 1,000 armed cadres choosing peace over violence, the Karbi Anglong Agreement marked a significant shift in the fortunes of the state of Assam. Perhaps one of the most striking achievements was the Assam-Meghalaya Inter-State Boundary Agreement of March 2022. With this accord, around 65 per cent of the longstanding border disputes between the two states were resolved, showcasing PM Modi’s knack for bringing disparate parties to the negotiating table.

Going back to his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, PM Modi’s commitment to bridging divides becomes even more evident. From his days as the CM, he emphasised the need to uproot the divisions that affected rural life, creating bitterness within families and impeding development in villages. To sow the seeds of consensus, rather than conflict, he brought the concept of all-women-led Samras Gram Panchayat. Those gram panchayats, which were able to unanimously elect panchayat leaders, were also given financial incentives.

At the heart of PM Modi’s leadership, since his time in public office, lies a commitment to consensus-building. No matter whether it is on the global stage or the close-knit gatherings of village panchayats, a defining trait emerges: PM Modi’s adeptness at rallying diverse groups, from the global to the grassroots, behind a common goal.
In the face of adversity, he prioritises inclusion, ensuring every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and consensus emerges from genuine dialogue. This quality is not only noteworthy but essential in our multifaceted world.

As the world navigates escalating challenges, it seeks an anchor in the timeless ethos of Bharat’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Standing tall as its resolute torchbearer in these times is none other than the nation’s Pradhan Sevak, Narendra Modi.

The writer is former finance secretary and currently principal adviser to Gujarat CM