New Delhi – Global economic leaders participating in the G20 summit have reached a consensus on a final declaration, albeit with a softened stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a matter that has created geopolitical tensions.
India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted the consensus statement from this year’s G20 summit in India, one day before the summit’s conclusion.
The declaration calls for an end to military destruction or attacks on vital infrastructure, emphasizing the impact of violence on food and energy security and global supply chains. Unlike last year’s G20 summit in Bali, where leaders directly addressed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory, this year’s statement refrains from such explicit language.
Senior government officials from Canada disclosed that it took several months of negotiations to arrive at the wording in the statement, although they did not specify which countries had advocated for stronger language.
China and Russia, whose leaders were absent from the summit and were represented by officials, had previously rejected any wording condemning the invasion of Ukraine.
India claimed credit for securing a final communique, with Amitabh Kant, India’s emissary at the summit, stating that the wording was finalized after days of “ruthless negotiations.” Kant attributed the achievement to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s insistence on reaching a resolution.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Oleg Nikolenko expressed gratitude to countries that pushed for stronger language in the statement but noted that the communique is “nothing to be proud of.”
Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized that the G20 primarily focuses on economic cooperation. He suggested that other forums, such as the G7, are more appropriate for addressing social issues, where there is greater consensus among like-minded countries sharing similar values.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during his visit to Singapore, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the G7 as a forum with countries that have shared values. Trudeau had been touring the Indo-Pacific region to promote Canadian talent and goods in response to economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has led to increased calls in the region for accelerated energy transition and enhanced food security.
The G20 communique emphasized the importance of resuming shipments of grains, foodstuffs, and fertilizers from Russia and Ukraine to ensure food supply in Africa and other developing regions. Other key focuses included gender equality, counterterrorism, anti-money laundering efforts, and the development of digital technology and green infrastructure.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who positioned the summit as a platform for the Global South, welcomed the African Union as its newest permanent member. The European Union is the only other regional bloc with permanent membership.
The summit’s leader sessions focused on “One Earth” and “One Family.” During these sessions, Trudeau interacted with U.S. President Joe Biden, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. His sole bilateral meeting was with World Bank President Ajay Banga, although media access to the meeting was restricted.
Trudeau’s absence from the G20 leaders’ dinner hosted by Modi was noted, with Christopher MacLennan, Trudeau’s personal representative at the summit, attending in his place. The prime minister’s office did not provide an explanation for his absence but confirmed his attendance at the final day of the G20 Summit on Sunday before his return to Canada.