NEW DELHI: At the end of the G20 summit in New Delhi, a joint declaration has been issued by the world leaders. However, compromises were made, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict and climate change action.
Here are the five pivotal moments from the summit:
African Union Welcomed at G20 Summit
The Group of 20 leading economies welcomed the African Union as its newest member, expanding its representation to 85 percent of global GDP. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw this as India’s diplomatic coming of age, highlighting the needs of the Global South. The summit began with a symbolic gesture as Modi invited African Union President Azali Assoumani to join world leaders.
Ukraine Conflict
The G20 leaders faced divisions over the Ukraine conflict, exacerbated by Russia’s invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin opted to skip the summit to avoid political backlash. India, as the host, worked to secure a common statement that softened its initial condemnation of the war. Ultimately, the G20 denounced the use of force for territorial gain but refrained from directly naming Russia, leading to criticism from Kyiv.
Climate Change
G20 leaders failed to agree on a fossil fuel phase-out, despite a UN report emphasizing its importance in achieving net-zero emissions. These nations are responsible for 80 percent of global emissions. However, the G20 did commit to tripling global renewable energy capacity, recognizing the need for emissions to peak before 2025, and aiming to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by reducing greenhouse gases by 43 percent by 2030.
Modern-Day Spice Route
An ambitious project to create a modern-day Spice Route connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India was introduced. This initiative would involve railways, ports, electricity and data networks, and hydrogen pipelines, potentially boosting trade among members states.
Name Change Discussion
There were rumors in India about a potential official name change from “India” to “Bharat.” Indian Prime Minister Modi hinted at this possibility during the summit by sitting behind a nameplate labeled “Bharat.” Both names are official for the country, but “Bharat” holds cultural and historical significance, particularly in Hindu tradition.
Overall, the G20 summit saw a blend of achievements and compromises, highlighting the complexities of global diplomacy and the pressing challenges of our time.
