NEW DELHI— India formally assumed the presidency of the G20 on Thursday, outlining an ambitious agenda that prioritizes climate finance, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive growth for the Global South. The world’s most populous nation and fastest-growing major economy will steward the premier forum for international economic cooperation over the next year, hosting over 200 meetings across more than 50 cities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the presidency will be dedicated to the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” positioning India as a voice for developing nations on the global stage .

Showcasing India and a Global South Agenda

India’s presidency marks a strategic moment for both global and domestic positioning. The extensive schedule of events is designed not just for diplomacy but to reflect the nation’s cultural and geographical diversity, from the Hornbill music festival in Nagaland to kite-flying events in Gujarat .

Behind the cultural showcase lies a serious policy intent. India aims to leverage its leadership to amplify long-marginalized issues, shifting the G20’s focus squarely toward the developmental needs of the Global South . This comes as developing economies, including many in Africa, grapple with an unsustainable debt burden that limits their ability to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, and education .

The Green Development and Climate Finance Imperative

A central pillar of India’s G20 agenda is building consensus on a “Green Development Pact,” intended as a blueprint for strong climate action over the next decade . This ambition is underpinned by India’s own domestic commitments, including a net-zero emissions target by 2070 and the launch of a National Hydrogen Mission .

The presidency will place specific emphasis on climate finance, a critical issue for vulnerable economies. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has underscored the need for climate justice and for developed nations to shoulder their “net zero” responsibilities, echoing principles of equity . The G20 forum presents a key opportunity to promote private investment in green infrastructure and facilitate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy .

Championing Digital Public Infrastructure for the World

Perhaps India’s most distinctive offering to the G20 is its championing of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The country’s own digital transformation, powered by systems like the Aadhaar digital identity and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), is held up as a model for others .

Under its presidency, India has established a task force on DPI, co-chaired by G20 sherpa Amitabh Kant and Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani, to promote digital identity, financial inclusion, and innovative, technology-based services . UPI, which processed 7.82 billion transactions in December 2022 alone, is not just a domestic success but a potential global export; India is already in discussions with nations from Singapore to the United States for similar partnerships . A significant part of Prime Minister Modi’s soft-power strategy is to use the G20’s prominence to advance India’s digital achievements as a democratic, business-friendly alternative to China .

A Stepping Stone in a Multipolar World

Analysts view India’s G20 presidency as a crucial stepping stone to its next major diplomatic milestone—assuming the BRICS Chairmanship in 2026 . The presidency solidifies India’s trajectory as a consensus builder and an independent strategic power operating within an increasingly multipolar global structure .

The road ahead will test India’s ability to sustain diplomatic momentum, institutionalize the initiatives proposed during its tenure, and leverage South-South cooperation to shape a more equitable global order . Its success will be measured by how effectively it can harmonize G20 and future BRICS priorities, particularly around debt reform, critical minerals, and digital public infrastructure . For a world grappling with economic uncertainty and geopolitical friction, India’s year at the helm will be a critical test of international cooperation and the power of the Global South’s voice .