How Do Emerging Powers Advocate Multilateralism? Examining India's Participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and G20

ABSTRACT States vary their participation in multilateral institutions based on strategic objectives. This paper explores how emerging powers adopt different participation strategies in multilateral institutions, arguing that they selectively prioritize institutions where they can act as key coordinators to elevate their international status. Agenda‐setting power, support from major states, and the degree of internal rivalry help explain an emerging power's level of engagement. Using India as a case study, this paper analyzes its diplomatic shift from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to the G20. While initially active in the SCO, India's interest subsided as Russian support waned and rivalries with China and Pakistan intensified. Conversely, India was more engaged in the G20 due to strong agenda‐setting power and low rivalry. Support from major G20 members bolstered India's leadership, allowing it to successfully bridge the interests between the G20 and the Global South.