Opinion Russian ambassador to India writes: How the West is hijacking G20

The G20 is the leading forum for international economic cooperation. Throwing in the Ukraine issue will lead to its failure

As a response to the current trends, the unifying agenda proposed by India's G20 presidency under the motto “One Earth, One Family, One Future” is of critical importance. (Express photo by Nirmal Harindran)

Denis Alipov

April 2, 2023 09:45 AM IST First published on: Mar 29, 2023 at 08:33 PM IST

The current world order is undergoing tectonic changes. The model catering to the interests of the so-called “North” as a result of colonialism has ceased to exist. The world structure is transitioning to multipolarity and a more equal distribution of power. The voice of developing countries influencing global processes is becoming louder. Many nations have been increasingly advocating strategic autonomy and independence in making decisions.

The reaction of Western countries accustomed to a privileged position in the global political system is unsurprising. All of a sudden, the existing world order based on international law and the UN Charter that proclaims the equality of all states does not suit them. Instead, a hazy formula of a “rules-based order” is being actively promoted, supposedly a set of better standards, that are naturally Western. The newly-discovered partners of choice are cunningly invited to join in while the rest of the world is shunned unless they become like-minded. No wonder this strongly resembles the colonial tactic of divide and rule. It seems as if the West cannot sustain itself without creating alienation lines.

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The “non-Western world” (or “jungle”, in Josep Borrell’s Freudian slip) is again, albeit more nicely this time, being put in a subordinate position. The West is unable to accept the main principle of the UN Charter — sovereign equality of nations. Hence, unilateral sanctions, unfair competition, double standards and attempts to put pressure on national governments. Direct interference in domestic affairs — “colour revolutions” and proxy wars — has become its trademark response towards those who resist. Today, competition prevails over constructive cooperation. Food and energy markets get destabilised. Climate issues, humanitarian crises and high inflation rates are acute as never before. In these circumstances, common endeavours and agreements must be a priority for leading international organisations.

The G20 has established itself as a crucial platform for dialogue between developed countries and the emerging poles of power to build a system of international relations based on the legitimate interests of all parties. This forum, which accounts for about 80 per cent of global GDP, international trade and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as two-thirds of the world population, is well-positioned to respond to the multiple current crises. The world cannot afford to lose time, or the global economy — on the verge of recession — risks breaking down. As a response to the current trends, the unifying agenda proposed by India’s G20 presidency under the motto “One Earth, One Family, One Future” is of critical importance. It can restore confidence in multilateral diplomacy, prevent fragmentation of the world economy and recover industrial growth. Given India’s special role and close ties with both developed countries and emerging markets, these goals may well be achieved. Russia fully shares India’s priorities. We are convinced that successful implementation of these targets will consolidate the world community and mobilise resources to overcome unprecedented socio-economic problems and counter global challenges.

The G20 Foreign Ministers Ministerial held in New Delhi on March 1-2 reaffirmed the primacy of multilateralism, the central role of the UN, and the need to increase the contribution of developing nations in the decision-making process. India’s constructive approach was instrumental in formulating the key topics of the agenda in a balanced manner. There is a consensus on all of them except one.

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That is because the divisive Ukrainian issue belongs in the UN, not on the G20 agenda. Still, it has been arrogantly put forward by the West as if the world’s future depends on condemning Russia and her strategic defeat — the goal Western capitals have openly declared. It is not. This is precisely what External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was speaking about. Europe’s problems are being intentionally made the world’s problems, the very problems Europe and the US chose to ignore for decades until they exploded. Forget about Europe — to the utmost regret of many, Russia included, it has long danced to the foreign tune, it’s not “Naatu naatu” — on security matters. The US is obviously the main culprit. It pursues only one goal — to preserve its privileged position as an unquestionable decision-maker. Ukraine is the main proxy tool to directly subordinate Russia and indirectly make the whole world accept Washington’s indisputable authority. The fact that Europe is comfortable with that does not mean the rest of the world should be too.

The G20 is traditionally the leading forum for international economic cooperation as was fixed in the joint statement following the Summit in Pittsburgh in September 2009. It should remain focused on global economic and social problems. Throwing in the Ukraine issue will lead to its failure. Russia doesn’t want that, as it doesn’t avoid discussing the issue in the UNSC. The G20 agenda should not be hijacked by a subject which is not a part of it.

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The world economy today is facing serious challenges. This, in particular, applies to the issues raised by the Indian presidency such as terrorism, drug crime and natural disasters. Many in the developing world would agree that the surge in terrorism was to a large extent provoked by the interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. The illegal assaults on former Yugoslavia, Libya, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan are a graphic testament to this. NATO’s inglorious campaigns in these countries are explicit cases in point. Now, it wants to expand farther East in Asia and the Pacific as a “stabilising factor”. Well, it will only bring a confrontation and a philosophy of division as it has done in Europe. The truth will ultimately prevail in the unprecedented sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines as it did in NATO’s other “good deeds”, especially in Iraq.

The self-serving policy of the US and its allies has already put the world on the brink of catastrophe, provoking a rollback in socio-economic development and deterioration of the situation in the poorest countries. A cynical spread of illegal sanctions, artificial disruption of cross-border supply chains, the setting up of notorious price caps — these are the real reasons behind the Ukraine crisis going global and not Russia’s actions to protect itself. Since there’s a persistent public bias, let me remind everyone that the military campaign in Ukraine was not Russia’s choice. It is a justified countermeasure to deliberate blatant provocations and a direct threat to Russia’s national sovereignty. Tragic as it is, I dare say that every sovereign nation would do what is necessary in a similar situation.

Ignored are the miscalculations by Western power-wielding nations in financial, economic and energy sectors that undermined the foundations of the economic system they themselves had shaped for decades. Economic relations have become a weapon in the hands of the West against Russia and this has led to imbalances in the international food market, causing high price volatility. Not only Russia but the world at large is being made to pay for it. The attempts to lay responsibility for the global crisis on Russia are untenable and should be rejected if we want to implement the G20 agenda. Geopolitical tensions are undeniable but they should not come in the way of infinitely more pressing issues for the sake of humanity.

Russia is committed to working closely with the Indian presidency and is participating actively in all G20 ministerial tracks to contribute to a successful summit in New Delhi. We aim to work together with India in a results-oriented manner, and are ready to show the maximum possible flexibility. The ball is now in the court of those who prioritise their strategic interests over the need to resolve topical problems to which the Global South is particularly vulnerable.

The writer is Russia’s ambassador to India