Edward Murrow, a renowned American journalist and former Director of the United States Information Agency, once emphasised the importance of direct international communication, stating that the true value lies in the “last three feet”. This concept highlights the significance of in-person interactions in effectively conveying values, cultures, and policies to a foreign audience.
India has adopted a regional approach to public diplomacy through its upcoming G20 summit and the organisation of satellite events in various states during its presidency. Unlike the US, where the government cannot communicate its foreign policy to its populace or employ public diplomacy domestically because of the Smith-Mundt Act, India can engage its citizens, if not make them a part of the G20 and allied events. The doors of diplomacy during G20 are not restricted to Delhi but extend to states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Nagaland.
In public diplomacy, it is essential to address the “so what” conundrum, and here are six reasons that highlight the importance of organising these satellite events.
Unleashing economic potential
At its core, the G20 focuses on economic matters. By hosting countries and their delegates in various states, the central and state governments of India are aspiring to effectively communicate the investment opportunities available in each region and highlight their potential industries. This approach presents a significant win for India as it demonstrates the economic vibrancy of different states, countering negative perceptions, and promoting a positive narrative of development and progress.
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Enhancing regional representation
One of the key advantages of hosting G20 meetings in various states is the ability to ensure regional representation and inclusivity. By bringing global leaders to different parts of the country, India is showcasing its diverse cultural heritage, economic strengths, and social fabric. This approach allows for greater engagement between local communities and international decision-makers, fostering inclusion. Moreover, exposing foreign delegates to different regions helps dispel stereotypes and promotes cultural understanding, contributing to a positive global perception of India.
Critics of the current government in India often say that India is fast ceasing to be a democracy. Events such as these allow international delegates to visit non-BJP states to understand the different political parties that are in power and witness firsthand the truth of India’s democratic traditions.
Strengthening subnational diplomacy
The regional approach to hosting G20 meetings offers an excellent opportunity to bolster subnational diplomacy. It enables local governments and organisations to engage with international counterparts and showcase innovative policies, successful initiatives, and unique regional strengths. This exchange of ideas and experiences can lead to collaborative partnerships and knowledge-sharing, promoting economic development, sustainable practices, and cultural exchanges at the subnational level.
Subnational diplomacy plays a vital role in complementing national-level engagements and building comprehensive and robust foreign policy frameworks.
Improving grassroots engagement
Hosting G20 meetings in different states encourages grassroots engagement and public participation. By organising events and activities alongside the meetings, India is involving local communities, civil society organisations, and youth groups. This provides the opportunity for these groups to voice their concerns, share perspectives, and contribute to global conversations. This active involvement strengthens democratic values, fosters a sense of ownership, and enhances the public’s understanding of foreign policy issues, ultimately leading to a more informed and engaged society.
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Building soft power influence
The regional approach to hosting G20 meetings allows India to showcase the rich diversity of its states, thereby enhancing its soft power and national branding. Each state presents unique cultural and economic aspects, and through this exposure, India seeks to attract tourists, promote exports, and encourage international collaborations. By projecting its values, cultures, and policies to a global audience, India is strengthening its soft power influence and expanding its diplomatic reach.
Understanding Challenges
India’s decision to host G20 meetings in various states exemplifies a strategic and effective approach to public diplomacy. But is not only about opportunities. India seeks to be more than just an echo chamber through such events. The goal is also to understand the challenges that states face. Therefore, implementing a thorough evaluation mechanism can help identify medium to long-term challenges and envision sustainable solutions. These efforts must not cease to exist when the G-20 summit ends.
The regional approach facilitates deeper interactions between international decision-makers and local communities, fostering a sense of ownership and enabling diverse perspectives to be heard. The G20 meetings in different states act as a launchpad for future global engagements. They position India for smart and relevant partnerships that will further enhance its ambitions of power in the contemporary world.
Writer is an author and researcher. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)