New Delhi: The inaugural day of India’s presidency at the G20 Summit witnessed significant developments. Notably, the African Union was formally welcomed as a new member, courtesy of Prime Minister Modi’s invitation. Moreover, the New Delhi Declaration achieved unanimous consensus on all developmental and geopolitical matters, and discussions on the Ukraine-Russia war were done at greater length.
Talking about the G20 declaration, NewsMobile Editor-in-Chief, Saurabh Shukla, highlighted the astute approach taken in diplomatic endeavours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided a clear directive and commended his team for their efforts. They diligently crafted a consensus-building draft declaration in line with India’s presidential goals. Despite some last-minute surprises and attempts by China to disrupt proceedings, they ultimately found themselves isolated. Notably, both the global south and African nations rallied behind India’s cause. The strategic inclusion of the African Union, with the prime minister inviting its chair, was a calculated move by New Delhi.
“Prime Minister Modi authorised his team; he also acknowledged the work that the team did. PM Modi gave them the broad framework that we want under India’s presidency: a consensus-building draft declaration, and that’s what the team did. China tried to play spoilsport, but they also realised in the end that they were isolated. When it came to the global south and the African countries, they supported India because of the global South. The reason why the African Union was inducted today and the prime minister called the chair of the African Union to come and take his place was all a well-calibrated decision by New Delhi,” Shukla said.
Shukla further emphasises that the recent development underscores the unity between both the global South and developed nations, with notable support from the United States and President Biden. While the focus of this gathering is primarily economic, the signifi- cance of avoiding conflict, as highlighted by Prime Minister Modi, is acknowledged. This perspective recognises that warfare can profoundly affect economies and people directly.
Shukla credits this outcome to Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy, which successfully brought together nations from diverse backgrounds, even securing Russia’s cooperation after direct talks with Vladimir Putin. In his view, this achievement represents a triumph for India and the Prime Minister’s diplomatic efforts.
“It sends the message out that both the countries of the global South and the developed world countries like the US, Biden put his full might behind the prime minister’s leadership and India’s position here. And you see specifically on Ukraine, which was the most contentious word even though this is primarily an economic grouping, but as the prime minister also mentioned, this is not the time of war, and India has clearly mentioned, even in the document, that since a war impacts economic activity, it impacts people directly. That’s the reason why you see the formulation coming out, and the Russians got on board as the prime minister spoke to Vladimir Putin himself. I would say this is a victory for New India and a victory for the prime minister’s foreign policy, which got both the developed and developing nations together,” Shukla said.
The NewsMobile EIC also added that India is not seeking global recognition for leadership but rather the world recognising India for its role as a peacemaker, consensus builder, and voice of reason on the world stage. He highlights that in today’s world, these qualities are expected from a nation of India’s stature and a leader like Prime Minister Modi.
Furthermore, Shukla underscores the resonance of India’s narrative, including innovations like DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) offered to the world and initiatives like the Global Biofuel Alliance, all contributing towards making a better world.
“India has transformed significantly. The G20 summit’s organisation reflects this change, from the impressive media centre to the hospitality on display. He points out the Bharat Mandapam, a testament to India’s commitment to hosting a world class convention centre. This, he asserts, is not India’s inaugural summit, reinforcing the need for such infrastructure. To critics, he suggests recognising the achievements of this ‘New India’, dispelling doubts about the summit’s success. It stands as a source of pride for every Indian,” Shukla said.
“Unfortunately, I would say for people who are critics, they should realise that this is a new India and there are ways things are done, and every Indian should be proud today that we have achieved something which most felt was not achievable; people felt that the conference will end without a declaration,” he added.