Can India encourage close cooperation between G20 and G77?
This year, India and Cuba have assumed the presidencies of G20 and G77, respectively. While India has headed the Group of 77 more than once since its foundation on 15 June 1964, it’s the first time for the Republic of Cuba.
Although the two countries have close bilateral relations and have grown closer over the years, can both, in their respective presidential terms in 2023, bring the two blocs together, both operationally as well as notionally?
Let us use three different angles to ponder over the assumption.
First, when it comes to mutual need and interdependence, how strong is the India-Cuba relation? The strength of this connection is expected to substantially influence the interactions between the two groups.
Second, as the President of G20, a former President of G77, and a friend, can India help Cuba navigate the G77 countries towards a coherent and confident voice of the South?
Third, what are the areas of convergence and complementarities the two blocs share?
There were 77 founding members but, over the years, G77 has expanded to 134 developing countries from the South, almost two-thirds of the total number of countries in the world. The bloc represents the concerns and interests of most of the world population disproportionately affected by underdevelopment, inequality, and poverty. Its future rests on a number of factors, including the ongoing challenges its members face.
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India could help Cuba navigate the G77 countries through their challenges by bridging the gap between the two groups. While G20 comprises rich and middle-income nations, G77 is a coalition of 134 underdeveloped and developing nations. The gaps exist in a number of sectors and often put the Group of 77 at a disadvantage as they fail to bargain for justice, equity and fairness.
India, as the president, could advocate the introduction of G77 concerns – such as food security, digital divide, poverty reduction, and countering the negative and disproportionate effects of climate change – into the G20 agenda.
