IDward Murrow, a well-known American journalist and former director of the United States Information Agency, once stressed the importance of direct international communication, saying that the true value lies in the “last three phases”. This concept highlights the importance of personal interactions in effectively communicating values, cultures, and policies to foreign audiences.
India has adopted a regional approach to public diplomacy during its presidency through its upcoming G20 summit and organizing satellite events in various states. Unlike the US, where the government cannot communicate its foreign policy to its people or implement public diplomacy domestically due to the Smith-Mundt Act, India does not allow its citizens to be part of the G20 and associated events Could The doors of diplomacy during the G20 are not confined to Delhi, but extend to states like 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 organizing these satellite programs.
unleashing economic potential
At its core, the G20 focuses on economic matters. By hosting countries and their representatives in different states, India’s central and state governments are keen 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 showcases the economic vibrancy of various states, counters negative perceptions, and promotes a positive narrative of growth and progress.
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increase regional representation
One of the major advantages of hosting G20 meetings in different 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 strength and social fabric. This approach allows for greater engagement between local communities and international decision makers, promoting inclusion. In addition, visiting foreign delegates to different regions helps break down stereotypes and promote cultural understanding, thereby 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. Such events provide an opportunity for international delegates to visit non-BJP states to understand the various political parties in power and to see firsthand the truth of India’s democratic traditions.
Strengthening Subnational Diplomacy
The regional approach to hosting G20 meetings provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen sub-national diplomacy. It enables local governments and organizations 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 exchange at the subsoil level.
Sub-national diplomacy plays an important role in complementing national level engagements and building a comprehensive and robust foreign policy framework.
improve ground connectivity
Hosting G20 meetings in different states encourages grassroots engagement and public participation. By organizing meetings as well as events and activities, India is engaging local communities, civil society organizations and youth groups. It provides an opportunity for these groups to express their concerns, share perspectives and contribute to the global conversation. This active participation strengthens democratic values, fosters a sense of ownership, and increases public 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 cooperation. By projecting its values, cultures and policies to a global audience, India is consolidating its soft power influence and expanding its diplomatic reach.
understanding the challenges
India’s decision to host G20 meetings in different states exemplifies a strategic and effective approach to public diplomacy. But it’s not just about opportunities. India wants to be more than just an echo chamber through such events. The aim is also to understand the challenges faced by the states. Therefore, putting in place a thorough assessment mechanism can help identify medium to long term challenges and visualize sustainable solutions. These efforts should not stop when the G-20 summit is over.
The regional approach facilitates deeper dialogue between international decision makers and local communities, fosters a sense of ownership and enables diverse perspectives to be heard. G20 meetings in various states serve as a launchpad for future global engagements. They prepare India for smart and relevant partnerships that will further enhance its ambitions of power in the contemporary world.
The author is a writer and researcher. Thoughts are personal.
(Editing by Therese Sudeep)