New Delhi declaration's unanimous adoption seen as a major victory for India

In a significant victory for India's G-20 presidency, the member nations have unanimously adopted the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

On the first day of 18th G-20 Summit in New Delhi yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration by the bloc of world-leading economies during the second session of the G20 summit, titled One Family.

Inclusive growth, accelerating actions to deal with climate change and increasing medical supplies to be future ready for health emergencies among others are the focus areas of the G-20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration.

The member countries have expressed their commitment to accelerate sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth with effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

They also expressed commitment to accelerate action to address the issue of climate challenges by pursuing low carbon emissions, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development pathways.

Air correspondent said that the Declaration while referring to the Ukraine war, underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety.

It added that in line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.

It also added that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. 

Revisiting the roots of the G20 congregation, the declaration noted that the forum is not a platform to settle security and geopolitical issues.

The 37-page declaration says that the member nations agreed to pursue reforms for better, bigger and more effective Multilateral Development Banks to address global challenges. Member countries also expressed their commitment to improve access to digital services and digital public infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that history has been created with the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.

He added that united in consensus and spirit, we pledge to work collaboratively for a better, more prosperous and harmonious future.

He expressed his gratitude to all fellow G20 members for their support and cooperation.

Briefing media in New Delhi yesterday, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said that the declaration envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future. 

He said that the leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and recognized that it is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

Highlighting the key features of the New Delhi Declaration, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that the key achievement was that every single country had come together to focus on the green development pact.

He said that India’s G20 had been the most ambitious in the history of G20 presidencies with 112 outcomes and presidency documents.

He added that with 83 paras and absolutely no dissent, the New Delhi Declaration symbolises unparalleled global consensus.

Earlier, with the kickstart of the 18th G-20 Summit, the African Union became a permanent member of the grouping.

At the inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the Head of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to take his seat as a permanent member of the G20.

India had proposed that the African Union be granted permanent membership of G20 with the sense of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas. In his remarks at the first session titled 'One Earth', Mr. Modi said that India's G20 presidency had become a symbol of inclusion, both inside and outside the country. He added that this had become the people's G20 in India as crores of Indians are connected to this.

Prime Minister Mr. Modi also called upon the world to come together to transform the global trust deficit among nations into trust and confidence. 

He said, this is the time for everyone to move together. He also said that concrete solutions needed to address the challenges related to food, fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, and energy.

The Prime Minister said, the 21st century is an important time to show the world a new direction. He stressed that the world should move ahead fulfilling responsibilities with a human-centric approach.

On the second and final day of the G20 Leaders' Summit today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the session based on the theme- One Future. Besides, several bilateral meetings have also been lined up. 

The Prime Minister will hold meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and will also do a pull-aside meeting with Canadian leaders, and bilateral meetings with leaders of Comoros, Türkiye, UAE, South Korea, European Union, European Commission, Brazil and Nigeria.

Apart from the bilateral and G20 Summit meeting the world leaders and delegates are scheduled to visit Rajghat to pay homage to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi.

Yesterday, On the side-lines of the G20 Leaders' Summit , the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of United kingdom Rishi Sunak and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. 

The Prime Minister said that during his meeting with Japanese counterpart, they took stock of bilateral ties and the ground covered during India's G20 Presidency and Japan's G7 Presidency.

He said that New Delhi was eager to enhance cooperation in connectivity, commerce and other sectors.

About his meeting with UK Prime Minister Mr. Modi said that they discussed ways to deepen trade linkages and boost investment. He added that India and the UK will keep working for a prosperous and sustainable planet.

He also held bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He said that the talks covered sectors including trade, commerce, defence and emerging technologies.

He added that India and Italy will keep working together for global prosperity. 

President Droupadi Murmu also hosted State Dinner for all the Heads of Delegations.