G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration: PM Modi Hails Consensus As G20 Leaders Condemn Terror And Call For Peace In Ukraine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration as historic as the members reached a consensus at the G20 Summit. 

The 34-page declaration condemns terrorism, addresses the climate crises, outlines economic and financial cooperation, and calls for peace in Ukraine. 

As there were sharp differences among some members, particularly over the Ukraine War, there were apprehensions over the joint statement. However, the issuance of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration is being seen as a major achievement of India's presidency, which managed to bring sides with differing opinions together. 

Sharing the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, Modi said, "History has been created with the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. United in consensus and spirit, we pledge to work collaboratively for a better, more prosperous, and harmonious future. My gratitude to all fellow G20 members for their support and cooperation."

While the document was made public in the evening, Modi had stated earlier in the day that the member nations had arrived at a consensus over the joint statement. The issuance of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration along with the inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of G20 are among the major highlights of the G20 Summit and India's presidency of G-20.

Earlier, Modi said, "I have received good news. Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible."

The Delhi Declaration calls for peace in world

The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration, which Modi revealed at the commencement of the second session of the G20 Leaders' Summit, emphasised that the present period should not be characterised by war and urged all nations to uphold international law principles.  

Additionally, the G20 declarati underscored the significance of peacefully resolving conflicts, diplomacy, and open dialogue. The declaration termed these elements as essential components of global stability. 

The Delhi Declaration places significant importance on the following core concerns: Promoting sustainable and equitable economic expansion, hastening advancements towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), forging a green development agreement to ensure a sustainable tomorrow, reforming multilateral organizations for the modern era, and revitalising the principles of multilateral cooperation. 

The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration on Ukraine

The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration reiterated Modi's stand on the Ukraine War that this is not the era of war and that hostilities must end. 

The declaration called for the resolution of the Ukraine conflict in line with the provisions and values enshrined in the United Nations (UN) charter. 

Without naming Russia, the declaration also called upon all the states to uphold "principles of international law including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability".

"The peaceful resolution of conflicts, and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical. We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’," the declaration read.

The Ukraine War was one of the issues that risked the consensus among the member countries as Russia and China differ largely from the West on the war. The declaration further mentioned the adverse outcomes of the conflict.

The declarations said, "We highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation and growth, which has complicated the policy environment for countries, especially developing and least developed countries which are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic disruption which has derailed progress towards the SDGs. There were different views and assessments of the situation."

G20 declaration condemns terrorism 

The G20 Delhi Declaration explicitly denounced terrorism in all its manifestations and categorises it as one of the "gravest threats" to global peace and security. 

“We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace. It constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” the declaration read. 

G20 nations call for cessation of attacks on essential infrastructure

The G20 leaders while underscoring the significance of maintaining food and energy security have urged both Ukraine and Russia to halt any military destruction or attacks on essential infrastructure. 

The declaration read, "We called for the cessation of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure. We also expressed deep concern about the adverse impact that conflicts have on the security of civilians thereby exacerbating existing socio-economic fragilities and vulnerabilities and hindering an effective humanitarian response...The peaceful resolution of conflicts and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical."

Throughout the war, Russia has come under criticism for attacking civilian settlements like apartment buildings and critical infrastructure like power stations and hospitals.

"We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’," said the declaration