Biggest looser

The recent G20 event provided Bharat with a golden opportunity to exhibit its soft power, rich culture, historical significance, exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to captivate a global audience. While Bharat seized this moment, some countries found themselves competing for an entirely different title - that of being the "biggest losers." Notably, China and Canada stood out in this regard.

China's approach to the G20 event was marked by a stark absence, as its president opted to send his deputy. Moreover, China sought to thwart the passage of numerous resolutions, but Bharat's diplomats skillfully garnered the support of world leaders, successfully securing agreement on critical resolutions and joint declarations. China received a substantial setback when Italy announced its decision to exit the Belt and Road Initiative, opting instead to join Bharat in the creation of the Middle East and Europe Sea and Rail corridor.

This ambitious corridor establishes vital trade connections among Bharat, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Israel, and the European Union through a network of shipping ports and rail routes. This initiative promises to expedite trade, reduce costs, foster economic cooperation, and enhance digital connectivity across the region. Additionally, it aligns perfectly with Bharat's aspiration to become the global "factory" under the Modi government's "Make for the World" initiative. Notably, this corridor is in addition to the already operational Bharat-Russia North-South Corridor.

 

Meanwhile, the United States, although excluded from this initiative, felt compelled to participate to counterbalance China. China's Belt and Road project, which spans Asia, Africa, and Latin America, has granted it considerable influence over countries.

The Middle East and Europe Sea and Rail corridor will be a game-changer, reducing transit time from India to Europe by a remarkable 40%. This initiative also paves the way for the export of clean energy, the installation of undersea cables, and the interconnection of energy grids and telecommunications networks. Furthermore, it holds the potential to contribute to peace in the Middle East, as India successfully brought Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE into the agreement - a diplomatic achievement no one else had accomplished before.

Canada, on the other hand, experienced a lackluster G20 event. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau found himself on the sidelines of most conversations, only being granted a brief pull-aside meeting with PM Modi, a clear indication of strained relations. Canada's inability to make progress on a trade deal with Bharat was a point of contention, In the pull aside Modi gave him a dressing down on the Khalisthan issue and the comical Trudeau's complaints about Bharat's alleged interference in Canadian politics. This joker needs to learn from UK PM Rishi Sounak, how he has adapted to work with an assertive Bharat. Adding a comical twist to Canada's woes, Trudeau's official plane experienced technical difficulties, leaving him and his 50-member delegation stranded in a less-than-welcoming host country. While Trudeau may have had some extra time on his hands, it remains to be seen if he managed to make productive use of it.

Bharat's successful navigation of the G20 event showcased its diplomatic finesse and potential to reshape global trade and connectivity. Meanwhile, other nations like China and Canada faced their own set of challenges, highlighting the complexities and dynamics at play in the international arena.