What does a rising India mean?
If the presidency of the G-20 symbolizes India’s growing prominence in global power politics, it is evident that India has indeed emerged as a significant player on the world stage. The successful hosting of the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, under the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, underscored the profound concept of ‘Vasudhaiva kutumbakam’, which translates to “the world is one family” in Sanskrit, considered the mother of all languages spoken today in the world.
During the summit, India’s leadership demonstrated its commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among nations. The emphasis on the interconnectedness of all nations and the importance of collective action showcased India’s diplomatic prowess and its role as a bridge between Eastern and Western perspectives. On the global stage, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar have been strongly raising the issues of developing nations, which account for a major share in global politics.
Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar have been instrumental in promoting the values rooted in the Eastern knowledge system, often referred to as ‘orientalism’, on the global stage and within the United Nations (UN). Besides ‘'Vasudhaiva kutumbakam'’, one significant achievement was his leadership in declaring ‘Yoga’, an ancient tradition of physical and mental exercises, as the International Yoga Day, an observance recognized and celebrated annually by the UN. The United Nations had proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, as proposed by PM Modi in his address at the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly in 2014. It was endorsed by a record 175 member-states.
Yoga, known for its positive impact on physical and mental well-being, has been embraced worldwide as a valuable tool for promoting holistic health and wellness. Before the concept of a modern state system based on geography, the entire Himalayan region, including the south of the Himalayas, was a very fertile land for knowledge, Yoga, meditation and many other ancient innovations, which modern developed states are following these days.
Certainly, India faces a range of complex challenges, and PM Modi has not been immune to criticism from the opposition parties. Any country’s domestic situation is purely their issue to resolve. And, in a democracy, parties based on different ideologies share differences and that might take the shape of conflict too. But the most important thing is whether they share enmity or differences on foreign policy, foreign relations and building the international image of their country or not. India has set the tone that despite extreme political polarization, the country has never been divided on issues related to external relations.
There’s no denying that PM Modi and Foreign Minister Jaishankar have effectively elevated India's international standing and ensured that it is noticed and recognized by major global powers. While foreign policy is often considered an extension of domestic policy and circumstances, Modi has managed to navigate the global stage without getting embroiled in divisive domestic politics. On his part, Jaishankar has played a major role to elevate the image of India as a key player on the global stage. And, it is Jaishankar, who has shown the way to the Europeans and advised them to change their mentality toward Asia. It is Jaishankar, who has adopted a ‘multi-alignment’ policy, according topmost priority to India’s national interest.
Let’s enter into the announcement of India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and its significance to the world. One achievement made on the sidelines of India’s G-20 Summit was the new initiative to develop a rail and shipping corridor connecting India with Europe via the Middle East with leaders from the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of IMEC.
IMEC is significant from an infrastructure and connectivity perspective as well as from a geopolitical angle. The project involves two separate corridors—the eastern corridor, which connects India with the Arabian Gulf, and the northern corridor, which connects the Arabian Gulf with Europe. According to the MoU, IMEC is “expected to stimulate economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf and Europe.” That some of the major Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, the UAE, and Jordan, are part of it makes it noteworthy, especially fro
m a geopolitical perspective. Announcing this on the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII), the leaders noted that IMEC will involve rail connectivity, shipping lines, high-speed data cables and energy pipelines.
IMEC has been perceived as a counter-move of BRI launched by China in 2013. Whether it aims to challenge BRI or not, connectivity is an important precondition for development. New Delhi, which has a vital role to play in IMEC, should be aware that such connectivity projects shouldn’t be used strategically to control the power of China or any other countries. Indian leaders must understand that the future of the world largely depends upon what kind of relations the emerging Asian powers maintain.
As a neighbor of emerging economies (India and China), Nepal would be happy to embrace the rising significance of them, but it should strongly object to any move from the third countries to destabilize Asia, including the South Asia region.
Nepal did well in Beijing and the UNGA
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visits to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and China were a remarkable success despite considerable skepticism in the public domain.
This success came in the midst of a discourse in the media on how PM Dahal will deal with the issue of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a continuous pressure from the ‘elite communities’ busy creating a buzz through their social media posts, petitions on issues under the jurisdiction of TRC and Dahal’s own political statements.
By the way, these petitions will attain nothing beyond “show cause orders” from the judiciary. The petitioners, it appears, intend to create confusion amongst the general public and unintentionally clog the already clogged justice system. These opponents would have expected that PM Dahal won’t be able to cash in on the opportunity to engage the United Nations and its platforms.
Unsurprisingly, Dahal, known for his penchant and proclivity for unexpected political maneuvers, went ahead and not only attended the UNGA in New York, but also engaged in bilateral relations with several world leaders and high-level UN delegates. The message from the UN visit was clear: Dahal, the only signatory alive of the Comprehensive Peace Accord signed between the government of Nepal and the then Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on 22 Nov 2006, remains committed to taking the peace process to a lawful and peaceful conclusion. Reiteration of his commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and international humanitarian laws and fundamental principles and values related to human rights should be read in this context.
As the PM of Nepal, currently the chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries, Dahal used his address to the UNGA to not only raise issues facing LDCs like climate change, Sustainable Development Goals and development cooperation but also to touch upon Nepal’s peace process and TRC. His address, summarized on the UN homepage, clearly shows how tactfully he started it. In particular, his opening statement gave a powerful message to the international community.
Furthermore, Dahal demonstrated humility and sought help from the international community, which reiterates his commitment to the international community and his readiness to work together.
He also called upon the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the United Nations headquarters. His message was clear again: Commitment to ensuring that Nepal’s peace process abides by the “peace accord”.
Dahal also met with the UN High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima.
There’s a phrase from the Greek story “Daedalus and Icarus”—Kill two birds with one stone—this is exactly what Dahal did. He not only won the trust of international communities in Nepal’s peace process, but also raised pressing issues facing the LDCs as its chairperson.
Mission accomplished.
A warm welcome
The American diplomat and political scientist, Madeleine Albright, once famously said, “Diplomacy is not just about negotiations; it’s about understanding cultures and building bridges.”
After all the rush, hustle and bustle of such a hectic schedule in New York, Dahal knew the importance of his Sept 23-30 visit to China—the roaring neighbor, which has always been supportive of him. Notably, during his visit, Dahal also held a one-on-one meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, apart from talks with Premier Li Quant and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji. These engagements were crucial in strengthening mutual trust and signing of several memorandums of understanding (MOUs). The relationship building anchored on mutual social and economic development of peoples of the two nations was crucial in the context of delayed or postponed engagement on account of Covid-19.
Let’s focus on the outcome of the China visit. Some politicians, self-proclaimed elites and several media outlets have called it a ‘refreshment visit’. But all in all, PM Dahal’s China visit was a success.
To understand the importance of this visit, we need to get rid of this mindset--that success entails getting something instantly.
It’s true that the visit did not yield anything right away; it also fell short of people’s expectations.
But the Chinese side accorded Dahal a warm welcome and gave due importance to the visit. This is something to take note of against the backdrop of Dahal’s recent visit to India, in which the host country came under our criticism for a “low-level welcome” accorded to our PM. Our core objective should be to build on relationships and work for tangible results gradually. In diplomacy, the most important tool is “relationship,” and clearly Dahal has outdone all his predecessors on this front. His body language throughout the China trip made it clear that he came out as a “reliable leader and a trusted neighbor”.
The author is an expert on diplomacy and international relations with a background in law. He has worked with the UN for 15 years in Asia, Africa and Europe
Our cities need healthy lungs
According to recent research, nine million people die every day globally as a direct result of air pollution. The health of the people is worsening due to disruptions in the environment. Parks and urban green spaces are one of the solutions to the problem of health hazards and environmental risks in the post-industrial society. Lack of green in the neighborhood is a serious problem affecting most city areas around the world and parks and other green spaces are necessary for normal functioning of people and the environment.
The crowding and human activities such as transport, shops and industries on the narrow roads and concrete structures of cities have led to the phenomenon called the urban heat island effect. The temperature in urban areas is increasing by 3.4°C compared to rural areas. The increase in temperature results in increased demand for cooling, which means an increase in the consumption of fossil fuel that leads to increased air pollution. However, with the creation of parks and green spaces, this issue can be mitigated as open areas with plants and trees give a place for the trapped heat to be released into the atmosphere.
Parks also provide a place where people can be physically active to reduce stress, which can improve their mental health. It also aids in relaxation, peace and escape from the heat, with better air quality, reduced traffic and greater diversity. A recent estimate puts 3.3 percent of global deaths due to the lack of physical activities because of poor walking ability and limited access to recreational areas. These numbers can be reduced by creating and opening parks and green spaces.
The parks and other green spaces also have aesthetic and recreational values. They can lead to increased property values and increased municipal revenues. Also, a telephone survey by the American Public Health Association shows that 75 percent of the American adults surveyed believe that parks can play an important role in addressing America’s obesity crisis. They believe that parks help improve public health by providing direct contact with nature and a cleaner environment. Additionally, parks create a safer neighborhood, with research showing that green spaces create neighborhoods with fewer violence and crimes.
We need nature in our surroundings, we need trees on the streets, plants in our gardens and flowers on our balconies. Therefore, with all the above-mentioned benefits, there is no doubt that parks and green spaces are very necessary for cities.
Aging and travel: The policy-practice gap
I had come to see off my 84-year-old uncle, who uses a wheelchair at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. He was flying to New Delhi. We had chosen to fly him with India’s premier airline, Vistara, which prides itself on its joint ownership by two iconic brands, TATA and Singapore Airlines. Not to leave anything to chance, his son booked him on Business Class.
Kathmandu airport has two business lounges—the one managed by Radisson Hotel is a 20-odd-step climb on the first floor. There are no elevators. Soaltee Hotel operates the second lounge, which is on the ground floor. While the airline had booked a wheelchair for my uncle, it invited him to the first-floor lounge as it only had an agreement with the Radisson lounge. Forty minutes of discussion with three staff levels later, Vistara finally agreed to make an exception and allow him to the ground floor lounge. Had I not persevered, my uncle would have been denied using a lounge he was entitled to because of his age and disability.
The Nepal office of the otherwise outstanding Vistara had not used the prism of disability and aging when deciding to make an exclusive contract with one lounge, while other international airlines operating out of Kathmandu hedge their bets and let passengers choose a lounge. Making policies and guidelines on disability and aging requires complex multidimensional advocacy and leadership communication. Ideally, the organizations would have an aging and disability focal point that would be empowered enough to examine all client-facing decisions of the organization through the aging and disability lens. The Human Resources heads need to ensure that in their induction programs, disability and aging are featured in the curricula.
Clearly-articulated leadership communication on a company's commitment to creating inclusive products is a must and needs to be frequently repeated. There are, of course, trailblazers–Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, has spoken publicly about his commitment to making Microsoft products and services accessible to everyone. He believes that people with disabilities can significantly contribute to the workplace. Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, has said that her firm is committed to creating a culture of equality where everyone can advance and thrive and making its products and services accessible.
Soon, more airlines and airport operators will realize the economic imperative of using the aging lens in business decisions. WHO predicts that the number of people aged 65 years and older will increase from 1bn in 2020 to 1.6 billion in 2050. Also, the number of older adults who travel internationally will increase from 100m in 2015 to 260m in 2030. Growing up, I have known my uncle as a confident person whose wit and swift decision-making always got him out of any tight spot. He has been a sportsman for the better part of his life. However, with age, I see irreversible changes, which make airports and flights a challenge, especially when traveling alone.
Airports can be large and complex, with long distances, confusing signage and crowds. Elderly passengers may have difficulty finding their way around, especially if unfamiliar with the airport. Trust in the person pushing your wheelchair is critical for not getting an anxiety attack. A pleasant surprise was the Special Assistance staff at Delhi’s IGIA airport. The gentleman pushing the wheelchair was experienced in dealing with elderly passengers and showed patience and compassion at every stage of the journey. This highlights the importance of appropriately recruiting and training staff dealing with elderly passengers.
Airlines must understand the challenges elderly passengers face to provide them with the best possible experience. Luckily, there are global best practices that go beyond the standard priority boarding, wheelchair assistance, and special seating. Japanese airports have several features that make them more accessible for elderly passengers, such as clear and concise signage, elevators and escalators throughout the airport, and accessible restrooms. The UK government has a program called the ‘Passenger Assistance Request Service (PARS)’, which allows passengers to request assistance with tasks such as boarding and disembarking the plane, using the restroom, and managing their luggage. The United States has many laws and regulations in place to protect the rights of elderly and disabled passengers. For example, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requires airlines to provide reasonable accommodation to passengers with disabilities. The ACAA also prohibits airlines from discriminating against passengers with disabilities. This might be why Delta, United and American Airlines CEOs have often publicly committed to making their products friendly for older people.
It is important to note that the needs of elderly passengers can vary depending on their circumstances. Airports and Airlines should be prepared to work with elderly passengers to identify and address their individual needs and train their staff to deal with elderly passengers. This includes training on how to identify and address the needs of elderly passengers and provide them with the best possible service.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both recognize the importance of travel for older adults. Travel can allow older adults to stay active, learn new things and connect with loved ones. However, it is crucial for older adults to be aware of the challenges they may face when traveling and to take steps to mitigate those risks.
Airplane manufacturers Airbus and Boeing are already working on several initiatives to make their aircraft more accessible to people with disabilities, such as wider aisles and more accessible lavatories. They are also working with airlines to create new training programs for flight attendants to assist passengers with disabilities. This is all great, however, for elderly passengers and those with disabilities, reaching the aircraft comfortably is the first challenge. It’s time for airlines and airports to put on the lenses of aging and disability and then up their game.
The author is a global health diplomat-practitioner specializing in strategic partnerships, high-level advocacy, and strategic leadership communication
