India’s G20 Presidency Walked the Talk, Took Far-Reaching Decisions, Union Ministers Say

Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar on Saturday said that far-reaching and consequential decisions were taken during India’s G20 Presidency. The ministers also said India harnessed opportunities presented by the G20 presidency to effectively articulate and embed the concerns raised by the Global South.

“India received tremendous support from G20 members across the table. The outcomes of the Indian Presidency are a testimony to India’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation,” Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

“The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration has 83 paras in all and all 83 paras have 100 percent consensus among all countries,” G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said. “All countries have unanimously agreed to the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and is a complete statement with 100% unanimity,” Kant further added, and said it brings all developing and developed countries and is the most ambitious presidency in the history of G20.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted how India made the G20 Summit broad-based and inclusive and said that the inclusion of African Union as a permanent member reflects India’s commitment to inclusivity.

“It is a matter of satisfaction for us that the African Union has become a member of the G20 that too under India’s presidency,” S Jaishankar said. He recalled that at the beginning of India’s G20 Presidency Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to 125 nations to express the voice of the Global South.

“The G20 contributed to making India ready for the world and the world India-ready,” Jaishankar said.

He highlighted that the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration focuses on sustainable development, climate change, balanced and inclusive development and growth, envisages a green development pact for a sustainable future and food security.

“There have been many far-reaching and consequential decisions and those have been agreed upon today,” he further added.

He also said that the leaders discussed the ‘three Fs’ – Food, Fuel and Fertilisers – and were issues of special concern for the leaders. He also said that leaders addressed the issues related to countering terrorism and money laundering. “The leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Speaking for India, we are clear that no one is left behind,” Jaishankar further added.