G20 Summit 2023: Global consensus reached, ‘New Delhi Declaration’ adopted in big win for India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday the Group of 20 nations had reached a consensus on a joint declaration, despite differences over the war in Ukraine.

There were fears Delhi negotiators and diplomats might not be able to broker a consensus at this year’s meeting due to Russian and Chinese objections on the reference to the ongoing war. However, in big win, there was a mutual consensus amongst the global leaders.

“I have received good news. Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders’ Summit Declaration,” Modi said to applause, following which his proposal to adopt the declaration was accepted.

“My request is that this should be adopted by all G20 leaders. I hope it will be. At this time, I would also like to offer heartfelt thanks to all ministers and sherpas who have worked hard to make this possible,” he added.

Surprisingly, the agreement has been reached halfway through the first day itself of the two-day G20 Leaders’ Summit being held in New Delhi.

The adoption of a Leaders’ Declaration comes after intense speculation as to whether India would be able to bring together the different factions of the G20 and agree on the language to describe the contentious issue of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The world’s leading countries such as the US have pushed for a deep condemnation of Russia’s aggression, while Moscow has refused to back down and said it will oppose any joint statement that does not reflect its views.

Foreign minsters who assembled for G20 since yesterday, have agreed on the need to tackle various challenges including those on climate.  
“India’s G20 Presidency has been the most ambitious in the history of G20,” said Union minister Hardeep Puri. The declaration includes 73 outcomes and 39 annexed documents, more than twice the earlier meets.

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