Event Recap: Virtual Discussion on G20, Vision India@2047 and India’s Ascent as a Global Power
On October 26, 2023, Asia Society Seattle hosted a Virtual Discussion event featuring speakers Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan, fellow at the Government of India’s NITI Aayog; Trisha Ray, Associate Director and Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center; and Harshul Asnani, President of the Technology and Media Business at Tech Mahindra. They discussed key takeaways from the G20 summit, Vision India@2047 agenda and associated challenges, and India’s strategies for achieving its economic growth goals, taking trade into consideration.
One notable insight from the G20 Summit, as highlighted by Gopalakrishnan, was India’s success in fostering consensus among member countries on critical issues, such as bank reforms and green policies. Ray emphasized the inclusion of digital public infrastructure at the summit and showcased India’s achievements in this domain. She also pointed out the monumental milestone of the African Union joining the G20. Asnani shed light on two of India’s priorities: developing technology to help the entire country and promoting talent.
The speakers discussed India’s challenges in achieving its Vision 2047 goals. Ray underscored the importance of developing talent and ensuring the inclusion of underrepresented groups for India's sustainable growth. Gopalakrishnan pointed out various constraints, including financial obstacles and the delicate balance between growth and climate considerations. He stressed the need for India to adopt a more open stance on trade to realize its ambitious goals. The panel collectively highlighted the growing cooperation and trust between the U.S. and India as a crucial factor in addressing these challenges.