The G20 declaration, entangled in debates over its phrasing concerning the Ukraine conflict, is being celebrated as a noteworthy diplomatic achievement for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serving as the host, adeptly navigated intricate negotiations, yielding a consensus. While the final statement’s tone is milder compared to the stance taken by the United States and its Western counterparts, it is deemed a substantial accomplishment, as reported by global media outlets.
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India’s Astute Diplomacy
India’s diplomatic finesse shone through as it orchestrated an unexpected consensus among G20 member nations on the contentious matter of Ukraine. This breakthrough was achieved on the very first day of the annual two-day Group of 20 Summit. Notably, emerging economies like Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia played pivotal roles in this achievement.
The ‘G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration’
Leaders at the summit managed to agree on a ‘G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration,’ outlining shared perspectives on climate change and economic development. However, fractures within the group became evident as it refrained from explicitly condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This diplomatic tightrope underscores India’s growing global role amid escalating domestic divisions.
DELHI DECLARATION
The Nuances of Diplomatic Language
The phrasing of the Delhi declaration has been meticulously crafted to allow both Western nations and Russia to find positive aspects. Nevertheless, this nuanced approach resulted in a less forceful condemnation of Moscow compared to the previous year’s summit in Bali, as highlighted by the BBC. An important linguistic nuance is the use of “the war in Ukraine” instead of “the war against Ukraine,” a choice that may have increased the likelihood of Russia’s endorsement.
Ukraine’s Critical Reaction
Ukraine, an active participant in the Bali summit, notably did not receive an invitation this year. The country’s response to the declaration has been critical, underscoring the complexities of diplomatic dynamics.
Expanding G20 Membership
In a significant development, Prime Minister Modi formally extended an invitation to the African Union (AU) to become a permanent member of the G20. This strategic decision underscores India’s commitment to amplifying the voices of nations and positioning itself for increased influence across Asia and Africa, particularly in competition with China.
Conquering Diplomatic Hurdles
The G20 encountered substantial diplomatic challenges this year, with Russia and China proving unyielding in discussions on the Ukraine conflict, climate change, and energy. These obstacles disrupted previous attempts to reach a consensus in ministerial meetings.
Modi’s Diplomatic Triumph
Prime Minister Modi’s determination to bridge global divides during the G20 in Delhi is evident in the early consensus achieved. While this achievement signifies success, it also highlights the relatively modest expectations for reaching a consensus in today’s diplomatic landscape.
A Stern International Response
Although the language used in the G20 declaration was milder compared to last year’s statement in Bali, it has been praised as one of the most robust international rebukes against Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine. The statement, while toning down its comments on the conflict, received accolades from Moscow, according to The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.
Shifting the Focus
Modi used the summit as an opportunity to bolster India’s global image and shift the G20’s attention away from Ukraine, redirecting it towards pivotal issues such as trade, infrastructure investment, and climate change.
