What New Depth and Substance Exists in India's Diplomacy?

Tokyo, Aug 20 (NationPress) India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, emphasized that there is a new level of depth and substance in India's diplomatic efforts. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi has significantly strengthened its ties with nearly all nations.

"For instance, Japan, a vital ally in our Special Strategic and Global Partnership, exemplifies this progress. Economic collaboration forms a major component of our alliance. Currently, approximately 1,500 Japanese firms are operational in India, each representing a success story. A recent survey conducted by JETRO highlights that Japanese enterprises regard India as their leading choice for growth," George remarked in an exclusive interview with IANS.

Applauding the G20 Summit held in New Delhi in 2023, the Indian Ambassador underscored how India has emerged as a key player in global diplomacy in recent years.

"The summit represented a remarkable success for Indian diplomacy. Concurrently, Japan was hosting the G7 Summit, and there was robust collaboration between our two nations. Prime Minister Modi visited Japan for the Hiroshima Summit, where we inaugurated a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Hiroshima Peace Park.

"This statue has now become a symbol of India's presence in Hiroshima, attracting visitors who seek to witness this emblem of peace and non-violence, values that both Mahatma Gandhi and India uphold. The G20 Summit was a phenomenal event, with nearly 200 activities taking place across 50 cities in India. This resulted in 200 Japanese delegations visiting India during this time, all returning with the sentiment that they had encountered a 'New India.' It was a moment of pride, showcasing India's evolution and diplomatic prowess," Ambassador George shared with IANS.

India successfully held its G20 Presidency under the theme of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'One Earth One Family One Future', culminating in the unanimous acceptance of the historic New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

"A crucial aspect was the unanimous adoption of a visionary document, a feat that had previously been unattainable. We united all parties to agree on a hopeful document for the global community. Additionally, we provided a platform for the Global South. Prior to the G20, India organized the Global South Summit, bringing the perspectives of developing countries to the forefront of the G20 discussions. A monumental achievement was securing Africa's status as a permanent member of the G20, representing over a billion people," the Indian diplomat stated.

"India accounts for one-sixth of the global population, yet we are not one-sixth of the world's issues — we offer solutions. Be it in diplomacy, economic matters, or crisis management, India consistently presents solutions. With 1.5 billion people living peacefully in a democracy and boasting the largest youth demographic globally — this is the crucial message India conveys today," he concluded.