G20 New Delhi summit closes, marking an important moment in global diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron remarked that the summit confirmed the isolation of Russia on the international stage.
The diplomatic gathering showcased India's efforts, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi using the occasion to bolster India's global stature.
One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the adoption of a Leaders' Declaration that addressed the Ukraine conflict.
While it didn't explicitly condemn Russia for its role in the war, the declaration emphasized the human suffering caused by the conflict and called on all states to avoid using force to acquire territory.
This diplomatic win for India surprised many, given the differing views on the war in the lead-up to the summit.
It showcased India's ability to bring together deeply divided leaders on a common statement, highlighting the country's growing influence on the global stage.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the G20 presidency as an opportunity to bolster his image both domestically and internationally.
“„It is our responsibility to look at the suggestions that have been made to see how progress can be accelerated.- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The summit provided a platform for India to assert its influence, especially as it aims to represent nations outside traditional power blocs.
The G20 summit's outcomes included granting a permanent seat to the African Union, symbolizing the bloc's inclusivity of developing countries.
Additionally, while there was no commitment to phase out fossil fuels, there was support for tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Leading up to the summit, New Delhi underwent an extensive beautification drive, including measures to chase away monkeys, the placement of tens of thousands of flower pots across the city, and lockdowns in certain areas.
These preparations aimed to create an appealing backdrop for the international event.
Symbolism played a significant role throughout the summit, with Hindu symbols and messaging evident in various aspects of the event.
For instance, the summit's logo featured a globe with a lotus, a symbol associated with Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi's emphasis on these symbols aligns with his political base and his quest for global recognition.
Modi's leadership at the G20 may have boosted his political prospects at home, despite concerns about India's domestic political climate.
Under his tenure, India's rankings in terms of political rights and civil liberties have slipped, leading to concerns about its democratic status.
However, the G20 presidency has the potential to further elevate Modi's standing on the global stage.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting with hand on chin The consensus on Ukraine at the G20 summit was far from straightforward, with differing views posing a significant challenge.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that the G20, which was designed to handle world economic challenges, was not the place to anticipate diplomatic progress on the Ukraine crisis.
“„This G20 confirms once again the isolation of Russia. Today, an overwhelming majority of G20 members condemn the war in Ukraine and its impact.- French President Emmanuel Macron
While India successfully avoided direct criticism of Russia, it also prevented the summit from being overshadowed by the Ukraine issue.
Notably, Ukraine expressed disappointment with the summit's outcome, while Germany, Britain, and others praised the resolution.
The G20 summit in New Delhi has left a lasting impact, showcasing India's diplomatic prowess and its growing influence on the global stage.
As the nation continues to navigate its path in international politics, its presidency has cemented its position as a key player in shaping global agendas.
The G20 summit in New Delhi was a pivotal moment for both India and the international community.
It showcased India's diplomatic prowess and its aspirations to play a more prominent role in shaping global agendas.
As the world grapples with complex challenges, India's leadership on the G20 stage has reaffirmed its position as a key player in the evolving landscape of international politics.