G20 Summit 2023 Delhi Highlights: PM Modi calls for virtual G20 session in November, hands over G20 presidency to Brazil

In a meeting held on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti has formally requested Germany's support for Daniele Franco, Italy's candidate for the position of President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), reported PTI. This request was confirmed by the Italian Treasury in a statement issued on Sunday.

“Congratulations Prime Minister Narendra Modi on presiding over such a successful G20,” IMF's Gita Gopinath posted on X late Saturday night. She said India's message of 'one earth, one family, one future' resonated strongly with all delegates.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. (Image: PTI Photo)

From the 13th-century Konark Temple in Odisha to the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar, the G20 Summit's venue has illuminated India's rich architectural heritage.

During a ceremonial dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for various heads of state, world leaders, and their spouses at the Bharat Mandapam venue on Saturday night, a replica of the historic Nalanda University, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bihar, served as the backdrop.

Nalanda University holds the distinction of being one of the world's oldest universities. While welcoming guests, the prime minister took the opportunity to impart the significance of this institution to several G20 leaders, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

“I think it (craft exhibition) is wonderful…I think the presidency has done a very good job of being a voice of the global south & the fact that they managed to get a consensus is a testament to the leadership of G 20…,” Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres told ANI.

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday hailed India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant for the 'Delhi Declaration' consensus, and said it was a “proud moment for India at G20”. Tagging Kant's remarks in an interview on how the consensus was achieved on the paragraphs on Russia-Ukraine, Tharoor said in a post on X, “Well done @amitabhk87!Looks like the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS!” “'Negotiated with Russia, China, only last night got final draft,' says India's G20 Sherpa on 'Delhi Declaration' consensus. A proud moment for India at G20!” Tharoor, a former under secretary-general, said in his post late Saturday night. India on Saturday pulled off a big diplomatic win after the G20 summit adopted a consensus declaration overcoming major differences on the Russia-Ukraine war. (PTI)

India's steadfast leadership played a pivotal role in facilitating consensus among G20 leaders during intense discussions concerning a summit message that encourages nations to refrain from employing force in territorial disputes, according to a senior European Union official on Sunday, reported Reuters. The official, who was well-informed about the G20 discussions but preferred to remain anonymous, stated that the Indian presidency exhibited considerable strength, and following arduous negotiations, the unanimous outcome proved to be highly productive.” He further emphasized, “Without India's leadership, this achievement would not have been attainable,” referring to the summit declaration. The G20 declaration, adopted at the commencement of the two-day summit on Saturday, refrained from directly condemning Russia for its actions in the Ukraine conflict. Instead, it urged all states to refrain from employing force to seize territory.

“It was momentous because, in a normal multilateral process, you have to go to the end of any Summit to attain a consensus on an outcome document…The fact that we have come up with the consensus document with the support of our G20 partners on the first day of our presidency, is a tremendously positive news…” Chief Co-ordinator of India's G 20 presidency Harsh Vardhan Shringla told ANI.

Chief Co-ordinator of India's G 20 presidency Harsh Vardhan Shringla told ANI, “We have ensured that the PM's vision of an outcome-oriented presidency would be held and it has been seen in every aspect of the way we have conducted the Summit. We have achieved the objectives of the Global South. We have addressed the requirements and the concerns of the Global South… We are very happy that PM Modi announced the advent of the African Union as the permanent member of the G20 under our presidency…”

G20 leaders convened in the Indian capital for their concluding session on Sunday. Here are the key highlights from the summit:

– Russia lauds the G20 consensus declaration for its balanced approach, avoiding direct criticism of Moscow regarding the Ukraine conflict.

– An EU official reveals that the Ukraine issue proved to be the most contentious, prolonging negotiations until the eleventh hour.

– G20 leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, gather at Rajghat, the memorial honoring Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India's independence movement, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River.

– Britain commits a substantial $2 billion to the Green Climate Fund, aimed at aiding developing nations in their efforts to combat climate change.

– President Biden opts to skip the final session of the summit and departs for Vietnam to engage in talks.

The third session of the G20 summit 'One Future' has already begun at the Bharat Mandapam.

U.S. President Joe Biden leaves for Vietnam after attending G20 Summit, in New Delhi, India, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023. (Image: AP Photo)

On Sunday, the United Kingdom made its largest-ever funding commitment to combat climate change by pledging USD 2 billion to the Green Climate Fund. This significant financial contribution, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is aimed at assisting the most vulnerable populations around the world in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change, as stated by the British High Commission in India.

On Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized that this year's G20 summit has demonstrated the group's ability to address critical challenges related to the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict. In a statement posted on X, President Biden stated that at a time when the global economy is grappling with the concurrent impacts of the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict, this year's Summit has illustrated that the G20 remains capable of finding solutions to the most urgent problems. India on Sep 9 announced the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. This declaration urges nations to uphold international law, encompassing principles of territorial integrity, international humanitarian law, and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability.

Sunak, dressed in trousers and a shirt, and his wife, elegantly adorned in a kurta with palazzo pants, arrived at the temple early in the morning, where they received a traditional welcome. Upon his arrival, Sunak was warmly greeted by swamis and senior leaders from the Akshardham Mandir, who conveyed a special message on behalf of Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Within the main temple complex, Sunak and his wife paid their respects to the sacred images and marveled at the intricate art and architecture. Additionally, the couple took part in an abhishek, which involves the ritual pouring of water, on the 'murti' of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj and offered prayers for global peace, progress, and harmony, as detailed in the statement.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin shared a photo on Sunday, featuring himself alongside US President Joe Biden at the G20 gala dinner, which was hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Stalin shared the image on X with the caption, “Attended the #g20dinner at Kaveri Table hosted by Hon'ble President of India @rashtrapatibhvn”

The G20 Summit, a forum of the world’s major economies, convened in New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in global diplomacy. At the heart of this summit was the New Delhi Declaration, a document that garnered significant attention and scrutiny due to its approach—or lack thereof—to addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly the role of Russia. The declaration’s nuanced language and careful diplomacy underscored the complex web of international relations and the delicate balance required to foster consensus among nations with diverse interests and perspectives.

Read More Here: The New Delhi Declaration’s Delicate Balance

Negotiations concerning the G20 leaders' declaration continued until the final moments, with the Ukraine conflict proving to be the most divisive issue. An anonymous European Union official disclosed this information on Sunday.

More visuals from Rajghat (Image: Reuters)

Following their tribute at Rajghat to Mahatma Gandhi, the leaders and heads of delegations will proceed to Bharat Mandapam. At Bharat Mandapam, there will be a tree plantation ceremony. Subsequently, the leaders will engage in the third session of the G20 summit, titled 'One Future'.

Rishi Sunak with wife Akshata at Akshardham temple, Delhi on early Sunday morning. (Image Credit: Twitter)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, UK PM Rishi Sunak, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other Heads of state and government and Heads of international organizations observe a minute of silence and lay a wreath at Delhi's Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

Modi extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries, presenting them with an 'angvastram' or stole, all while standing before a backdrop featuring an image of 'Bapu Kuti'. 'Bapu Kuti' holds historical significance as Mahatma Gandhi's residence from 1936 until his passing in 1948, situated at Sevagram ashram near Wardha in Maharashtra. The prime minister took the opportunity to share insights with the leaders regarding the importance of 'Bapu Kuti'. Following their homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the leaders will also participate in a signing ceremony on the 'Peace Wall' within the confines of the Leaders' Lounge.

Joe Biden has arrived at Rajghat. He has been welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is also seen explaining to him about the Sabarmati Ashram that is displayed on a poster behind them.

President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at Delhi's Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrives at Delhi's Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and lay a wreath. In preparation for the pivotal Day 2 of the G20 Summit, heightened security measures have been put in place in various areas of the national capital on Sunday. As per an alert from the Delhi Traffic Police, “Police Controlled Zone 2 has been activated, leading to the suspension of bus operations on the Ring Road segment between ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Sarai Kale Khan. Buses will, however, continue to operate on the remaining sections of the Ring Road and the road network extending beyond Ring Road towards the Delhi borders.” In light of traffic regulations related to the G20 Summit, commuters heading to the Airport were advised to opt for Rao Tula Ram Marg rather than Dhaula Kuan, as indicated in the alert. The alert also clarified that other pre-existing traffic regulations, in effect since September 8, 2023, will continue to be enforced.