Noteworthy Developments at the G20 Summit: Implications for the Global Order

The recently concluded G20 summit in New Delhi unveiled several significant developments, shedding light on the dynamic shifts taking place within the international order. This gathering of the world's top 19 economies and the European Union made headlines for multiple reasons, including the admission of the African Union as a new member and the conspicuous absence of both Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. These events sent clear messages to the host nation and the Western members of the bloc.

One of the most striking aspects of the summit was the absence of explicit criticism in the official declaration regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This omission suggested a compromise solution aimed at bridging the wide geopolitical differences among the G20 members. While the declaration denounced the use of force and violations of territorial sovereignty, it refrained from singling out Russia.

Another major announcement was the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, often referred to as a modern 'Spice Route.' This ambitious project aims to connect India with Europe via the Arabian Peninsula, and it garnered significant attention, with Joe Biden describing it as a "real big deal." Seen as a rival to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this corridor encompasses transcontinental transportation, energy, and data linkages.

It's evident from these developments that the G20 and G7 are striving to evolve from Western-dominated entities into more inclusive organizations, willing to engage with countries from the Global South. The expansion of groups like BRICS and the SCO may have influenced these changing priorities, leading to the courtship of the African Union as a partner. Geo-economics and geopolitics are also at play, with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor directly challenging the BRI and the Russia-led International North-South Transport Corridor.

Remarkably, Beijing, despite being a G20 member, was not invited to participate in the India-Europe project. This corridor is poised to benefit from connecting Israel with the Arab states, underlining its potential to reshape regional dynamics.

The proliferation of transcontinental energy and trade corridors isn't inherently negative, as competition can foster economic growth and development for participating states. These expansive networks offer opportunities for attracting investment and bolstering economic prosperity.

However, for Pakistan, the situation presents challenges. Internal issues have relegated the nation to the sidelines, turning it into a spectator rather than an active player in these transnational geo-economic networks. Even the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship BRI project, has not been fully harnessed to its potential.

Pakistan also faces the harsh reality that despite India's contentious human rights record in Kashmir, the West and even Muslim-majority countries appear more concerned with economic interests than moral concerns. In the international arena, economic influence often takes precedence over ethical considerations.

To secure a place in these global trade networks and have a meaningful voice on issues such as Kashmir, Pakistan must first address its internal shortcomings. Only by doing so can it actively participate in the evolving landscape of international geopolitics and geo-economics.