Introduction: G20 Summit in Delhi:
In a significant development, India has expressed confidence that the Group of 20 major economies will issue a joint statement at the G20 summit in New Delhi this weekend, with the exception of the ongoing debates on the conflict in Ukraine. The prolonged discussions over language on the war have been a point of contention among the participating nations.
Aiming for Resolution:
Negotiations on language pertaining to the war have been underway for several days, with hopes that both Russia and China will be prepared to draft a statement addressing critical global issues such as debt and climate change. Amitabh Kant, India’s spokesperson for the G20 Summit, emphasized that the closing remarks of the summit, the leaders’ declarations, will serve as the “voice” of both global South and developed nations.
Key Discussions:
The Indian government has disclosed that the language surrounding the war remains the sole remaining point of contention, and there is a possibility that the Sherpas’ second meeting for consensus may extend into the night. A source has informed Reuters that the joint statement could potentially serve as an unanimous agreement or not, including separate paragraphs expressing different countries’ viewpoints, or encapsulating both agreement and disagreement in one paragraph.
Maintaining Peace and Diplomacy:
The Indian capital, New Delhi, was unusually quiet in the lead-up to the summit, with businesses, offices, and schools closed to ensure the smooth conduct of the highest-level meeting hosted by the country. It is anticipated that the summit will witness a strong presence of Western leaders and their counterparts, including President Joe Biden, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the UK, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan.
India’s Stand:
During India’s leadership of the G20 this year, there has been no consensus reached on any statement regarding the war, underscoring the complexity of the issue. India has refrained from assigning blame to Moscow for the conflict and has called for a resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Challenges and Expectations:
The absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who delegated Premier Li Keqiang, and Russian President Vladimir Putin from the summit has added complexity to the discussions. Leaders from countries like the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, among others, are expected to participate.
The firm stance on the conflict in Ukraine has so far prevented any joint communiqué from being reached during India’s G20 chairmanship. However, it remains a challenge for leaders to find common ground and provide a path forward.
Conclusion:
The G20 Summit in New Delhi stands as a testament to India’s burgeoning economic prowess and its increasing influence in geo-political affairs. The newly adorned summit venue, with its vibrant lights, flower arrangements, and major thoroughfares, symbolizes the anticipation surrounding the event. The world watches as leaders deliberate on critical issues, with the hope that a unified stance will emerge, especially on the pressing matter of climate change and financial stability.