The New Delhi Leaders’ Summit Declaration was adopted in a massive breakthrough as members of the G20 arrived at a “100% consensus” in the G-20 Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is chairing the G20 sessions, made the big announcement which the government described as “historic and pathbreaking”. PM Modi, congratulated the Sherpas and ministers who had worked towards forging the consensus.
The G20 grouping had been deeply divided over the war in Ukraine, with Western nations pushing for strong condemnation of Russia in the Leaders’ Declaration, while others demanded a focus on other global issues.
India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that the New Delhi Declaration – running into 38 paragraphs, was adopted with “100% consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues”.
“The New Delhi Leaders Declaration has been officially adopted at the G20 India Leaders’ Summit! Today’s era must be marked as the golden age of human-centric globalisation and India’s G20 Presidency under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi has worked tirelessly towards this goal,” Kant posted on X.
The G20 summit is being held in the national capital for two days-September 9 and 10-and is being attended by heads of state of the world’s leading economies.
Key highlights of Delhi Declaration
The declaration places emphasis on strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.
- The document mentions that all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.
- The declaration mentioned that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever, or by whomever they are committed.
- The document emphasises protecting the vulnerable through promoting equitable growth and enhancing macroeconomic and financial stability.
- The declaration focuses on strong and sustainable growth, accelerating progress on sustainable development goals, a green development pact, and reinvigorating multilateralism.
- The New Delhi Leaders Declaration stated that the G20 member countries are dedicated to promoting unrestricted, open and fair trade in the fields of agriculture, food, and fertilizers, with a commitment to refrain from imposing export restrictions.
- The G-20 nations agree to remain committed to strengthening the global health architecture. Countries will enhance the resilience of health systems and support the development of climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems in collaboration with multilateral development banks (MDBs).
- The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration emphasised the necessity of aligning financial flows with climate objectives while expanding finance, capacity-building, and technology transfer with a focus on the priorities and needs of developing countries.
Other Major Decision Made in G-20 Summit
- Announcement of a mega India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor.
- India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the group was adding the African Union as a member — part of the Indian leader’s drive to uplift the Global South.
- United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces record climate aid commitment as G20 in India concludes. The UK will provide $2 billion to the Green Climate Fund which is the biggest single funding commitment the UK has made to help the world tackle climate change. The UK will contribute £1.62 billion ($2 billion) to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which was established by 194 countries following the Copenhagen Accord at COP15.
4. The group adopted a consensus declaration in New Delhi avoided condemning Russia for the war but called on all states not to use force to grab territory. Russia says it is conducting a “special military operation” there.
5. The New Delhi Leaders Declaration has been officially adopted at the G20 India Leaders’ Summit.
Geo-political Reactions:
- The Ukrainian foreign ministry said on Saturday the G20’s joint declaration was “nothing to be proud of” and criticised it for not mentioning Russia.
- Russia says G20 declaration ‘balanced’. And praised a G20 summit declaration that stopped short of directly criticising Moscow for the war in Ukraine.
Conclusion
In the realm of international diplomacy and economic collaboration, the G20 summit stands as a crucial forum where leaders from the world’s largest economies come together to address pressing global challenges. The Delhi Declaration of G20, which emerged from the 16th G20 Summit held in New Delhi, India, in 2023, is a significant milestone in fostering international cooperation. This article delves into the key aspects of the Delhi Declaration, highlighting its significance and outlining its key points.