A New T20 for the Win
(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)
Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 10 June 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 10 June 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 2: International Relations, Global Groupings, Global Terrorism |
| Context |
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Need for an Alternative Security Architecture:
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Existing global institutions such as the UN, FATF, and GCTF have been slow, selective, or ineffective in acting against state sponsors of terror.
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India’s security interests are undermined by procedural delays and geopolitical biases within these forums.
Concept of the T20 Coalition:
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Proposed as a grouping of 20 like-minded nations from the Global South to fight terrorism.
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Would prioritize intelligence sharing, counter-terror financing, cyber defense, and coordinated legal frameworks.
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Inspired by India’s success in pushing economic narratives like BRICS and the International Solar Alliance.
India’s Leadership Role:
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India has consistently raised terrorism as a core issue in multilateral platforms like the UNGA, SCO, and G20.
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Operations like Balakot and the recent Operation Sindoor have strengthened India’s credentials as a proactive security actor.
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India’s strategic diplomacy with nations like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and ASEAN positions it to lead such a forum.
Challenges and Criticism:
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May be perceived as a regional or anti-Western initiative unless inclusively designed.
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Requires careful diplomacy to avoid antagonizing existing institutions.
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Need to ensure that the platform is not limited to rhetoric but enforces accountability.
Way Forward:
- Begin informal consultations with countries already aligned on security (e.g., Egypt, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa).
- Draft a charter focusing on capacity building, real-time information exchange, and global cyber defense.
- Use India’s G20 experience and current SCO chairmanship to mobilize support.
Comparison Between Existing Global Terror Platforms and Proposed T20 Coalition:
| Issue | Existing Institutions | Proposed T20 Features |
|---|---|---|
| Response Time to Terror Events | Slow, procedural delays (e.g., UN designations) | Real-time intelligence and rapid response |
| Bias and Geopolitical Interests | Western dominance, selective actions | Global South leadership, inclusive decision-making |
| Scope of Actions | Focus on sanctions and naming | Cyber defense, financing disruption, tech sharing |
| Representation | Primarily developed nations | Emerging powers from Asia, Africa, Latin America |
| India’s Leverage | Limited impact despite lobbying | Leadership role with operational credibility |
| Practice Question: India should lead the formation of a new global counter-terrorism alliance rooted in Global South solidarity.” Discuss the feasibility and structure of a ‘T20 against Terror’ coalition in this context. (GS Paper 2 – 15 Marks – 250 Words) |
