The upcoming G-20 Summit in New Delhi, scheduled for September 2023, is encountering difficulties in issuing a Joint Communiqué. The issue stems from Russia and China’s conflicting stances relating to paragraphs about the Ukraine conflict. As the summit draws nearer, Indian negotiators are striving to reconcile these differences and work towards a resolution to the stalemate.
The Importance of a Joint Communiqué in G-20 Summit
The G-20 grouping, which comprises the world’s major economies, has traditionally managed to reach consensus and issue a joint statement at the end of each summit. Failure to do so during India’s Chair would be unprecedented and could raise questions about the viability of the G-20 in its present form. Despite facing challenges, prior summits such as those in Brisbane in 2014 and Indonesia in 2022 eventually managed to produce a document. On a positive note, negotiations for the “Delhi Declaration” will begin in August 2023, focusing on addressing areas of difference.
India’s Position on the G20 Documents
Until now, India has maintained the inclusion of the “Bali Paragraphs” (G-20 Leaders Declaration in Bali 2022 Summit) in its documents. This decision comes from recognising the hard work that went into their formation. The paragraphs mainly focus on UN resolutions criticizing Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and state that “most members” openly condemn the war. Moreover, the phrase “This era is not of war”, used by the Indian Prime Minister, is considered universal and not related to any specific country or conflict.
However, it’s important to note that India sees the G-20 primarily as a platform for discussing economic, not security issues. They believe that developing countries, such as India itself, should not bear the responsibility for the conflict in Ukraine. India’s main focus lies in matters like inviting the African Union into the G-20, digital public infrastructure, gender-led empowerment, and reform of multilateral development banks.
Opposition from Russia and China
Both Russia and China oppose the current language concerning Ukraine. Russia argues that the situation has changed since the Bali statements were made, due to increased military support from the US and Europe to Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions against Russia. For its part, China asserts that the G-20 should not discuss “geopolitical issues”, as the grouping has primarily focused on economic matters over the last two decades.
What is the G20?
The Group of Twenty (G-20) was formed in 1999, following the Asian financial crisis, as a forum for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss global economic and financial issues. In light of the 2007 global economic and financial crisis, it was elevated to the level of Heads of State/Government. The G-20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, collectively representing about two-thirds of the world’s population, 85% of the global GDP, 80% of global investment, and over 75% of global trade.
Potential Resolution
While India is actively seeking suggestions from other G-20 members to find a potential resolution to the impasse over Ukraine, the Indian Prime Minister’s role will prove critical in this regard. In addition, diplomatic efforts, such as those expected at the BRICS Summit in South Africa in 2023, could potentially influence the situation.
Previous Questions Pertaining to G-20
There have been several questions related to the G-20 in previous UPSC Civil Services Examinations. Most notably, one from 2020, where the question revolved around member countries of the G-20, and another from 2023, which asked about the original purpose of the G-20 and India’s priorities within it. The correct answers were (a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa, and Turkey, and (c) Both statements are correct, respectively.