Hosting a successful G20 Summit is a big feat for any country. Leaders of the world’s most powerful nation converged in India for stronger bonds and healthy discussions for a brighter future together. The G20 Summit successfully concluded on Sunday under India’s presidency. The most significant achievement of India’s G20 leadership was the consensus achieved regarding the New Delhi G20 Leaders Declaration. According to international observers, the diverse stances on the Russia-Ukraine conflict had led to low expectations for consensus. However, thanks to the guidance of India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, Indian diplomats played a crucial role in making this consensus a reality.
G20 nations unanimously agreed that states cannot grab territory forcefully and dwelt upon the misery of the people of Ukraine, however, avoiding directly criticising Russia for the war. The declaration was clearly a softening of the stance the G20 took last year when it condemned Russia for waging a war on Ukraine and demanded that it withdraw from Ukraine. India has strategically positioned itself as a central player in the evolving global landscape, employing adept diplomacy and tactics that culminated in the New Delhi Declaration during its G20 presidency. Despite facing a nine-month deadlock where consensus seemed out of reach, relentless negotiations spanning 200 hours and four drafts ultimately led to a unanimous agreement among all G20 member nations.
Additionally, Modi unveiled the launch of a substantial economic corridor known as the India-Middle East-Europe corridor, involving collaboration between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States. US President Joe Biden said this was a “real big deal.”
Upon his arrival, President Biden engaged in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi, which were subsequently followed by an evening meal hosted at the official residence of Mr. Modi. Following the meeting, the statement released by India expressed the commitment of both leaders to collaborate on various matters.
The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 represents a noteworthy change in the global geopolitical landscape. This decision enhances India’s influence in Africa, a continent that has been a battleground for major powers seeking to assert their presence. India’s objective is to engage in cooperative efforts with Africa on crucial issues such as climate change, trade, technology, and infrastructure.
The G20 leaders agreed to endeavour to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030 and agreed there was a need to cut down on coal consumption, but stopped short of setting major climate goals. However, the group stopped short of changing existing policies and targets for achieving the target of increasing focus on renewables.
The summit, along with its declaration, along with the bilateral and pluryilateral meetings conducted alongside it, showcased India’s foreign policy objectives and its interactions with significant global players. The declaration is also expected to impact India’s bilateral relations, especially with the United States, Russia, and China. It aligns with India’s ambition to represent the Global South and its endeavours to rejuvenate reformed multilateralism during a challenging period in the international arena.
Throughout these negotiations, India consistently emphasised the importance of unity over division. This G20 presidency marked a significant milestone for India, elevating its role in the emerging global order. Today, India is perceived globally as a dependable and influential power, as well as a champion for the rights and interests of underprivileged and marginalised nations.
Earlier in the year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrated his visionary approach by hosting the ‘Voice of the Global South’ virtual summit, which involved consultations with representatives from 125 countries, often marginalised in such dialogues. Notably, India’s G20 guest list predominantly featured nations from the Global South, setting India apart from other emerging leaders in this regard.
On the second day of the Summit, world leaders paid their respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat. Following this, US President Joe Biden left for Vietnam. Prime Minister Modi engaged in bilateral meetings with various heads of state and international organisations, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and European Union leader Ursula von der Leyen, among others. In the meantime, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his spouse Akshata Murthy visited the Akshardham temple in New Delhi to offer their respects.
This summit is just the beginning of how the India is all set to emerge as a powerful nation in years to come. Comment yes if you truly believe it.
The G20 Summit 2023 took place at the newly-constructed Bharat Mandapam, often referred to as the “culture corridor,” showcases a rich tapestry of cultural traditions from 29 countries, encompassing India and the special guests attending the G20 summit.
