The Group of 20 (G20) nations concluded their summit on September 9, with the adoption of a consensus declaration that notably avoided direct condemnation of Russia's war in Ukraine. Instead, the declaration called on all states to refrain from using force to seize territory, emphasizing adherence to international law, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and international humanitarian law, Reuters reported.
The announcement of the Leaders' Declaration was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hosted the summit. The consensus came as a surprise due to the deep divisions within the group over the Ukraine conflict. Western nations had initially pushed for a stronger condemnation of Russia in the declaration, while other countries insisted on focusing primarily on broader economic issues. There has been no immediate reaction from most other G20 members to this development.
The declaration, while not directly naming Russia, called for the upholding of principles such as territorial integrity and sovereignty and expressed support for initiatives promoting a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine. It also firmly stated that the use or threat of nuclear weapons is inadmissible.
Furthermore, the declaration addressed economic matters, including the implementation of the Black Sea initiative, aimed at ensuring the safe flow of grain, food, and fertilizer between Ukraine and Russia. However, it noted that Moscow had pulled out of the agreement in July, citing unmet demands related to its own food and fertilizer exports.
The G20 Leaders Summit Declaration also touched on various other topics. It highlighted the need to address debt vulnerabilities in low and middle-income countries comprehensively and systematically, without outlining specific action plans. The group committed to strengthening and reforming multilateral development banks and endorsed tighter regulations for cryptocurrencies.
Regarding the energy transition, the declaration underscored the global need for $4 tn of low-cost financing annually, emphasizing a significant share of renewable energy in the primary energy mix. It called for accelerating efforts toward the "phasedown of unabated coal power" while considering national circumstances and supporting just transitions.
Notably, the G20 summit was marked by differing viewpoints on the Ukraine conflict, which had prevented the agreement on even a single communique at earlier ministerial meetings during India's G20 presidency this year.
India's G20 sherpa, the country's representative to the group, highlighted that India worked closely with Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia to reach a consensus on the language concerning the Ukraine issue in the summit document. India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also mentioned that China, Russia's key ally, was supportive of the outcome.
The summit, held in a newly constructed convention center named Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, was characterized by extensive security measures, including the closure of many businesses, offices, and schools. The meeting began with Prime Minister Modi's call to address the global trust deficit and his announcement that the African Union would receive permanent membership in the G20 to enhance representation.
Despite the compromise over the Leaders' Declaration, the summit was expected to revolve around Western nations and their allies. Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were both absent, with Premier Li Qiang representing China.
The U.S. delegation, led by President Joe Biden, expressed satisfaction with the summit's progress, though there was speculation that China may be shifting its focus away from the G20 in favor of other groupings like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), where it holds significant influence.
Earlier Daryo reported that President Biden and Prime Minister Modi's discussions strengthen the bond between the United States and India amidst regional challenges, highlighting the Indo-Pacific strategy and economic cooperation.
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