India’s Views on Multilateral Reform
Indrani Bagchi, CEO and Maria Joseph, Assistant Director, Ananta Aspen Centre, New Delhi
Summary
India, as a rising power, seeks to reshape global governance to align with its evolving aspirations. Historically, India was a staunch advocate of multilateralism, contributing significantly to global institutions like the UN, Bretton Woods system, and WTO. However, the current global order, marked by entrenched power structures, does not reflect India’s economic, demographic, and geopolitical significance. India now calls for “reformed multilateralism,” emphasizing flexible cooperation over rigid alignment and advocating inclusivity for emerging powers and the Global South.
The chapter underscores the geopolitical and geoeconomic shifts reshaping multilateralism, driven by the decline of U.S. unipolar dominance, China’s rise, and intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. These shifts polarize global politics and limit Global South nations’ economic and geopolitical choices. India positions itself as a neutral partner, articulating the concerns of the Global South without imposing political conditions, contrasting sharply with China’s approach. India’s successful inclusion of the African Union in the G-20 exemplifies its commitment to amplifying the Global South’s voice.
Economic fragmentation has further strained multilateralism, with protectionist trends like tariffs, decoupling, and reshoring reshaping global trade. India counters these challenges through a dual strategy: revitalizing the WTO to ensure fair trade and strengthening domestic capacities in strategic sectors like semiconductors. India also emerged as a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplying vaccines to nearly 100 countries and advocating for TRIPS waivers at the WTO, exposing inequalities in the existing multilateral order.
The chapter critiques the inefficacy of traditional multilateral institutions like the UN. Paralysis in the UN Security Council, veto misuse by permanent members, and the inability to manage conflicts or enforce international rules highlight systemic failures. For instance, the UNSC’s inaction during the Russia-Ukraine war and its failure to enforce rulings like those under the UNCLOS contrast with India’s adherence to international arbitration in the Bay of Bengal dispute. India points to such double standards as evidence of a crisis in multilateralism, where emerging powers challenge traditional powers’ dominance.
To address these shortcomings, India advocates for reforming voting structures in institutions like the UNSC, IMF, and World Bank, promoting equitable representation. Initiatives like the NK Singh-Lawrence Summers report on MDB reform mark progress, but implementation requires strong political will. Beyond traditional frameworks, India invests in minilateral and plurilateral groups such as QUAD, BRICS, and IMEC, which, while lacking the UN’s legitimacy, promise greater efficacy. India-led initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure demonstrate its leadership in niche global challenges.
India envisions a strengthened rules-based international order that balances cooperation and sovereignty, countering rising nationalism and mercantilism. Its initiatives resonate with the Global South, distinguishing it from the G-77 or Non-Aligned Movement. However, unlike China, India does not seek to dominate this collective. Instead, it positions itself as a trusted and articulate member, advancing multilateralism while respecting the agency of other nations. This nuanced approach underscores India’s potential as a pivotal player in a fragmented global order, striving for inclusivity and resilience.
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