Delhi, September 11, 2023 – In an unexpected turn of events at this year’s G20 summit in Delhi, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised a joint declaration that avoided condemning Moscow for its actions in Ukraine. Lavrov termed the consensus on wording as “a step in the right direction,” despite concerns raised by Ukraine.
The closing G20 statement, while denouncing the use of force for territorial gain, notably made no mention of Russian aggression, leading to criticism from Ukraine. The two-day summit also witnessed the induction of the African Union as a new permanent member, demonstrating India’s commitment to making the G20 more inclusive for Global South countries.
Although the summit achieved key agreements on climate and biofuels, it faced criticism for not committing to phasing out fossil fuels. This year, the absence of an official G20 “family photo” raised eyebrows, as many leaders reportedly refused to be photographed due to Russia’s participation.
This unexpected consensus on Ukraine’s wording marks a significant development in the ongoing global discussions surrounding Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The G20 summit also highlighted shifting power dynamics within the group, with emerging giants, particularly in Asia, exerting increasing influence.
One of the summit’s major achievements was the agreement to triple renewable energy capacity globally through existing targets and policies, with the G20 bloc representing over 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, India, the US, and Brazil formed a global biofuel alliance to promote cleaner fuels and facilitate trade in biofuels derived from various sources.
Furthermore, a multinational rail and ports deal was announced, connecting the Middle East and South Asia, seen as a counter to China’s Belt and Road initiative. The summit concluded with India handing over the presidency to Brazil, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva emphasizing the challenges faced by developing countries in today’s world.
Despite moments of controversy and speculation, India’s G20 presidency was declared a success by its leaders, emphasizing inclusivity and addressing global developmental concerns.
Source: BBC News
