The G20 conference in India decided on a unified declaration, which included a comment on the Ukraine conflict.
G20 leaders condemned the use of force for territorial gain on the first day of their two-day meeting, but stopped short of outright criticizing Russia.
According to the Ukrainian government, the statement was “nothing to be proud of.”
The Delhi conference also addressed a variety of global challenges, including climate change and emerging countries’ financial burdens.
However, the G20 conference had an unexpectedly large number of headlines.
Few expected a joint proclamation, especially on the first day of the summit, given the group’s deep disagreements over the Ukraine conflict.
However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the group had reached an agreement on the declaration.
An earlier draft of the declaration seen by the BBC on Friday showed the phrase on Ukraine was left blank, indicating that last-minute discussions were taking place.
The Ukraine conflict was the sticking issue, just as it was at the Bali conference last year.
The Delhi declaration appears to be meant to allow the West and Russia to find common ground. However, it has used language that is less harsh in its denunciation of Moscow than it was in Bali last year.
The members in Bali condemned “in the strongest terms the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine,” while it was acknowledged that “there were other views and different assessments of the situation and sanctions.”
NEW DELHI, INDIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the G20 Leaders’ Summit on September 9, 2023 in New Delhi, Delhi. The 18th G20 Summit, which includes 19 countries and the European Union, as well as the African Union, is the first to take place in India and South Asia. The meeting is chaired by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who is the current G20 President. (Photo courtesy of Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
GETTY IMAGES IS THE IMAGE SOURCE
The declaration in Delhi does not directly blame Russia for the fighting.
It does, however, mention “the human suffering and negative additional effects of the war in Ukraine on global food and energy security.” It also acknowledged “differing perspectives and assessments.”
The declaration emphasizes “the war in Ukraine” rather than “the war against Ukraine.” This choice of language may have enhanced Russia’s likelihood of endorsing the proclamation.
Ukraine, which attended the Bali conference last year, was not invited this year, and its reaction to the declaration has been harsh.
“In terms of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the G20 has nothing to be proud of,” the Ukrainian foreign ministry said in a tweet.
The absence of any reference to Russian “aggression” is difficult for Kyiv to interpret as anything other than an indication that its Western backers are losing the debate with the “global South” over how to characterize the war.
Another major development was Mr Modi’s formal invitation to the African Union (AU) to become a permanent member of the G20.
As the cornerstone of its presidency, Delhi prioritized elevating the voices of these nations, and in the foreseeable future, it is prepared to reap the benefits of this strategic choice as it competes with China for influence across Asia and Africa.
On September 9, 2023, African Union Chairman and Comoros President Azali Assoumani (R) and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi hug at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi during the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. (Photo courtesy of Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Image courtesy of LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
GETTY IMAGES IS THE IMAGE SOURCE
The decision is also good news for Africa, as the continent’s 1.4 billion people will now have greater representation on global forums such as the G20.
Another strongly debated topic was climate change.
There had been no agreement on the matter at ministerial level discussions leading up to the summit. Officials now claim to have obtained “100% consensus.”
On September 9, 2023, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (L), India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C), and US President Joe Biden attend a session at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as part of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. (Photo courtesy of EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP, used with permission of Getty Images)
GETTY IMAGES IS THE IMAGE SOURCE
There has been clear back-and-forth on climate in the declaration.
It states that the G20 countries will “continue and encourage efforts to triple global renewable energy capacity through existing targets and policies.” More than 75% of greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to the G20.
Developing countries have previously opposed raising renewable energy standards, phasing out fossil fuels, and cutting developed-country greenhouse gas emissions.
Developing countries have been able to purchase time until greenhouse gas emissions peak, at which point they must be reduced.
According to the declaration, “timeframes for peaking may be shaped by sustainable development, poverty eradication needs, equity, and different national circumstances.”
Experts have also emphasized the significance of the Green Development Pact, a 10-year plan to address the environmental catastrophe through worldwide cooperation.
G20 countries have also promised to collaborate to provide low-cost funding for developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies.
According to Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, Eurasia Group’s South Asia practice leader, India has done “reasonably well” in green finance.
“Green finance is increasingly flowing from rich countries to other rich countries.” This finance relies mostly on private capital. Even emerging economies don’t get it. India has been working hard to change this. “The goal is to get multilateral development banks to start de-risking private capital flows in the green space,” he stated.
On September 9, 2023, G20 leaders gather at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi for the second working session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. (Photo courtesy of Ludovic MARIN / POOL / AFP) (Image courtesy of LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
GETTY IMAGES IS THE IMAGE SOURCE
Then there’s the growing worry about debt. According to the World Bank, the world’s poorest countries are burdened with an annual debt service of more than $60 billion to bilateral creditors, raising the danger of default. China is responsible for two-thirds of this debt.
The organisation has stated that it wishes to assist these countries in managing their debt burdens. The Delhi Declaration commits to addressing developing countries’ debt vulnerability.
