Book Review | 'How India scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of The G20 Presidency' by Amitabh Kant

The following book extract has been published with permission.  

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION: WHAT I LEARNT FROM PM MODI 

On 1 December 2022, the day India took over the G20 presidency, the energy within Sushma Swaraj Bhawan was electric, marked by excitement and a shared sense of purpose. However, the groundwork for the G20 Summit had already been laid much earlier, driven by PM Modi’s vision for India’s leadership.

The prime minister’s vision for a human-centric and interconnected world formed the backbone of India’s G20 agenda. In his influential speech in Bali, PM Modi called for a departure from zero-sum international relations. Drawing on India’s spiritual heritage, he proposed the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ emphasizing global unity and shared destiny.

This concept drove a significant change in mindset within the G20 Secretariat, influencing daily operations and strategy. PM Modi envisioned moving past historical conflicts and encouraged a united effort to tackle challenges like climate change, terrorism and pandemics. He believed in humanity’s ability to use modern technology for global problem-solving, marking it as the cornerstone of India’s presidency.

The global pandemic solidified his belief that a drastic change in the world’s civilizational value system was long overdue. It was time to stop viewing opportunities solely in terms of economic value, and to shift from a GDP-centric approach to a human-centric perspective—one that places people over profit and brings prosperity and well-being to all of humanity.

This philosophy has been a cornerstone of India’s diplomatic worldview since 2014 when PM Modi introduced the concept of a ‘world as one family’ during his historic address at the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he emphasized the need to increase the influence of the G4 coalition and urged the international community to move away from the perception of policy as a ‘zero-sum game.’

Reforming the UN is central to realizing this vision, enabling a more inclusive global governance structure that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of all nations. In his address on the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the UN in 2020, PM Modi asserted that ‘only reformed multilateralism with a reformed United Nations at its centre can meet the aspirations of humanity.’

This framework raises the question: if humanity’s problems are interconnected, how can international bodies solve them with 1.4 billion people missing from critical conversations? India is among many countries advocating for its rightful place in the global dialogue. Excluding significant populations from the discussion undermines the legitimacy of these conversations and perpetuates a narrow worldview that cannot address global challenges. To effectively tackle issues like climate change, poverty and health crises, international organizations need to ensure that all voices are heard, particularly those from rapidly developing nations. In the realm of climate change, this is poignant—oceans and winds don’t recognize man-made borders. PM Modi’s vision of human-centric globalization reminds us we share the same planet, and its destruction is our destruction.

‘We are committed to a sustainable path to prosperity,’ the PM stated at the Sustainable Development Summit in New York on 25 September 2015. ‘It comes from the instinct of our tradition and culture. But it is also rooted firmly in our commitment to the future. We represent a culture that calls our planet Mother Earth,’ he added.

A just and sustainable transition is essential to ensure that all nations—especially those most vulnerable to environmental degradation—are equipped to adapt and thrive. This requires equitable access to technology transfers that enable developing nations to embrace renewable energy and sustainable practices, along with robust financial support to enhance resilience to climate impacts.

In this complex world of global diplomacy, where uncertainty often overshadows optimism, India’s G20 presidency unfolded as a remarkable chapter. Under PM Modi, a sense of hope resonated through the G20 India team. The task was enormous—steering through conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and tackling climate and energy transitions all rested on India’s shoulders.
Despite these obstacles, an indomitable purpose propelled us forward. Prime Minister Modi believed in the impossible, trusting his team to prioritize the development of India and the Global South, and fight for our planet’s longevity.

The Prime Minister’s leadership style laid the foundation of optimism, trust in our creative solutions, and stoic resilience. His unshakeable faith in our team kept us determined. He had delegated a lot and had faith in me, and therefore, it was incumbent upon me to deliver. His presidency showed that with hope and a clear vision, obstacles become opportunities to bring about lasting change and rewrite the narrative of global diplomacy.

Sabka Saath: Towards an Inclusive Global Order 

Of all the key factors that made the eventual success of the NDLD possible, solidarity from the Global South was a central factor. PM Modi recognized the pronounced imbalance in multilateral ’representation between the Global North and South early on and saw the G20 presidency as an opportunity to correct this historical bias. The Global South—a vulnerable majority without a voice—had been overlooked for too long, and the PM was certain that ‘we should also have an equivalent voice.

India’s role in various international groupings has been integral to this diplomatic strategy. As a founding member of BRICS, India reaffirmed its commitment to emerging markets, while its active participation in QUAD with the US, Japan and Australia showcased its dedication to regional security and economic cooperation. Notably, India resisted China’s repeated overtures to join the BRI in 2017, a decision that shows its desire for strategic autonomy and its focus on sustainable partnerships.

Throughout these diplomatic initiatives, PM Modi’s leadership style focused on creating space for emerging economies within the existing frameworks, as well as advocating reforms that would grant developing nations a greater role in shaping the global agenda.

Just before the G20 Summit in India, PM Modi also attended the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits in Jakarta. There, he emphasized the importance of creating a rules-based order in the post-COVID-19 landscape, particularly considering China’s increasing claims of territorial disputes. He expressed a commitment to strengthening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. During the ASEAN-India Summit, he proposed a 12-point plan to enhance cooperation, reinforcing the idea that India would work alongside ASEAN members to amplify the voices of the Global South and secure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

By building lasting connections with the global community, and instilling trust in India’s vision, the PM made my job as Sherpa and our ability to arrive at consensus simpler and easier. In the end, the Global South stood firmly together. As a collective, this tetrad of developing countries—India, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia—presented the final draft of the Leaders’ Declaration as a common document, leveraging the weight of a united front with a common voice and shared interests. Backed by Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina and Türkiye, the message was unambiguous: it was time for the developed world to be in a responding position; the agenda had been set for and by the emerging markets.

Great Leaders Take Great Risks 

Leadership requires courage and a selfless commitment to service.5 Great leaders are distinguished in part by their vision and decisiveness, but also by their willingness to take significant risks in pursuit of monumental goals. Such audacity is often the hallmark of transformative leadership.

The success of India’s G20 presidency hinged on a leader unafraid to make history through calculated risks. Taking risks in leadership is not merely about navigating the known, but also about confronting the unknown. We faced numerous complexities as we navigated negotiations with influential players like the G7, Russia and China. The threat of isolation, conflicting interests, and the challenge of finding consensus increased the stakes, as fragile bilateral relationships hung in the balance.

Our boldness wasn’t confined to the negotiation table. The willingness to explore alternative avenues, including potential collaboration with other global groupings such as IBSA and BRICS, showed a leader ready to pivot if the situation demanded. The risks were not taken lightly, but were embraced with the understanding that transformative change often required stepping into uncharted territory. And this territory included playing hardball with different countries during negotiations.

Faced with Russia’s objections to certain terminology, we got all the emerging markets together, including building a personal relationship with China, leaving Russia with no choice. Our assertive tactics played a vital role in securing Russia’s consent and averting their potential diplomatic isolation. We also proactively addressed China’s visa-related concerns, demonstrating a readiness to confront challenges head-on, even when it was technically outside India’s G20 mandate. This added complexity required deft navigation between China’s requirements and maintaining a balanced rapport with the US. In the end, with all stakeholders finally aligned, India’s big bets finally paid off.

History teaches us that transformative change often springs from bold choices. From President John F. Kennedy’s firm stance during the Cuban Missile Crisis to Deng Xiaoping’s sweeping economic reforms in China, decisive actions have left a lasting impact on the global landscape. India’s G20 presidency adds to this legacy, highlighting how risk-taking can catalyze positive change. Prime Minister Modi’s leadership exemplifies the enduring power of bold decisions in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

Effective and Dynamic Communication  

The success of India’s G20 presidency demonstrated the power of effective communication in its many forms. At its core, this strategy was not just about disseminating information but also about fostering a spirit of collective participation that resonated from grassroots levels all the way to the global stage.

The finest example of this is PM Modi himself, who has set the precedent for a regular, effective and dynamic communication style with the people of India. Whether through his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, his X engagement, where he hit 100 million followers in July 2024, or his personal interactions like Pariksha Pe Charcha, where he interacts with students and parents about exam stress and education, PM Modi’s communication approach has transformed the dynamics of public discourse. His ability to connect with citizens on various platforms demonstrates a keen understanding of the diverse ways people consume information, ensuring that his messages resonate widely. By embracing multimedia, engaging directly with youth, and addressing pressing societal issues, he has built a culture of openness and accessibility, making governance feel more connected and relevant to people.
At the G20 Summit, a dedicated website and active social media channels provided real-time updates, resources, and a platform for interactive discussions with the general public. The virtual meetings, data and resources, expertly curated for the first time during India’s tenure, left a solid foundation for Brazil, allowing for the seamless transition of working material, and ensuring continuity and sustained global dialogue beyond geographical constraints. This technological integration reflects G20 India’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, innovation, and continuing collaboration in the digital age.

Internal communication played a crucial role in ensuring effective coordination between central and state authorities, exemplifying cooperative federalism. Logistical synchronization, which is crucial for seamless execution, demands efficient communication channels. Negotiating with diverse stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, required a nuanced grasp of various cultures and languages. Our team constantly adapted to local laws while pivoting to engage on the international stage, navigating multiple time zones and shifting the focus from minutiae—like names on placards and the preparation of regional cuisines—to macro concerns such as climate-smart agriculture, health technology, and global energy transition.

That Personal Touch  

Maya Angelou once wisely said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’

I have always understood the importance of branding. Perceptions create realities, and these realities form the bedrock of almost every action known to humankind. It’s the story we remember. The emotion it evokes stays with us long after the facts have faded.
One of my transformative experiences came during my tenure as the Tourism Secretary of Kerala from 1997 to 2001. This period was a blessing in many ways. I partnered in Kerala’s incredible journey from an unknown destination to India’s No. 1 tourism hotspot. When I moved to the Ministry of Tourism in Delhi in late 2001, I faced an immense challenge—holding the vast canvas of India together with one powerful idea that could unify the nation as an aspirational destination. After nearly a year of research, debates and public consultations, that idea took shape as Incredible India! Over six years, this campaign transformed India into one of the world’s top destinations, recognized by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award in 2007.

An idea is an incredibly powerful thing. In the mid-2000s, even climate change needed a publicist. Despite the undeniable evidence and the significant implications for the future of the planet, the scientific community’s warnings were initially met with widespread scepticism and apathy. The message was mired in complex jargon and lacked the compelling narrative needed to resonate with the public. It wasn’t until communicators like Al Gore used gripping visuals and relatable stories in his documentary An Inconvenient Truth that the message penetrated the public consciousness more effectively. His approach transformed the perception of climate change from a distant, abstract concept to an urgent, personal call to action.