India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech at the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit on September 9, 2023. The summit saw the Group of 20 nations come together and reach a consensus on various issues to enhance development in the Global South.
In a joint declaration consisting of 83 paragraphs, the G20 nations focused on integrating the needs of developing economies into their agenda. The declaration omitted explicit condemnation of Russian aggression against Ukraine, instead highlighting the negative impacts and human suffering caused by the war in Ukraine, which have complicated recovery efforts after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The wording of “most members strongly condemned the war” was changed, and the G20 member states agreed to uphold the principles of the United Nations charter on territorial integrity and non-use of force.
The negotiation process involved discussions on geopolitical issues, particularly the war in Ukraine. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar praised the emerging markets for their contribution to the consensus on the joint declaration.
India’s ability to broker this consensus demonstrates its diplomatic influence in a time of shifting global alliances. With the absence of the Russian and Chinese heads of state at the summit, Prime Minister Modi aimed to position India as a key global player advocating for the interests of the Global South.
However, there were concerns that Delhi negotiators might not have been able to achieve a consensus this year. The Russians and Chinese strongly objected to references to the war in Ukraine, which hindered India’s efforts in fostering consensus throughout its presidency.
The G20 leaders called for the implementation of the Black Sea grain deal to ensure the delivery of grain, foodstuffs, and fertilizers/inputs from Russia and Ukraine. Russia unilaterally withdrew from the deal, causing food insecurity in countries that rely on agricultural exports facilitated by the agreement.
The Delhi declaration also addressed the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the reversal of progress in achieving the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals. The G20 leaders pledged to protect the most vulnerable by promoting equitable growth, enhancing stability, and providing financial support to developing nations.
In addition, India facilitated the admission of the African Union as the second regional grouping to gain full G20 membership after the European Union, further solidifying the goal of inclusivity.
Leaders from India, Brazil, South Africa, and the U.S. met on the sidelines of the summit and pledged to address global challenges in partnership with the World Bank. They emphasized the importance of multilateral development banks and increased lending to support developmental needs.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden showcased the deepening partnership between their countries and announced various initiatives. They launched the Global Biofuels Alliance to promote greener fuels worldwide and proposed the development of a network of railways and sea routes connecting India, the European Union, and Middle Eastern countries. This initiative aims to counter China’s influence and its Belt and Road infrastructure project.
President Biden also announced a partnership with the European Union for the expansion of the Lobito Corridor, which will connect regions in Africa to global trade markets.
The G20 summit highlighted the critical decisions that will shape the future for decades to come.
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