NEW DELHI DECLARATION 

• The G-20 Summit, comprised of 19 countries and the European Union, took place in Delhi amid global challenges and tensions.
• The summit aimed to address critical issues and forge consensus on various fronts.
• India assumed the G-20 presidency amid daunting challenges, primarily driven by the global economic crisis induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and escalating Indo-Pacific geopolitical tensions.

2. The New Delhi Declaration

• The big takeaway is the New Delhi Declaration that forged a consensus between the G-20 nations, bitterly divided between the G7-EU and Russia-China, on the issue of Ukraine.
• The final language is a shift from the ‘Bali Paragraphs’, with language critical of Russia erased, on a firm proposal from G-20 hosts of past and future years Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa.
• The final 83-paragraph declaration, with eight paragraphs on “geopolitical issues”, on which consensus was reached included language on everything from climate action, financing, and fossil fuel phaseout, to debt restructuring, the biofuel alliance, health, digital infrastructure, regulating cryptocurrency, and other issues.

3. Expanding G-20 Horizons

• India's presidency aimed to bring the "Voice of the Global South" into the G-20 fold, resulting in the inclusion of more than 125 developing countries' concerns in the declaration.
• Additionally, India successfully advocated for the African Union's induction, reshaping the G-20's balance of power.
• India's meticulous preparations for the G-20 summit, including two postponements in 2021 and 2022, set it apart.
• The nation's commitment to hosting the event transcended previous host countries' efforts.
• India's efforts to "democratize" the G-20 within its borders involved inviting over 1,00,000 delegates from 125 countries to participate in numerous meetings across 60 Indian cities.
• This initiative held political significance, coinciding with India's 2024 general elections and featuring a G-20 symbol resembling that of the ruling party.

4. Distinguished Attendees and Notable Absences

• The summit attracted leaders from 17 of the 20 original G-20 members.
• Special attention was given to U.S. President Joseph Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and PM Mohammed Bin Salman.
• Notably absent were leaders from Russia and China, with Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence attributed to strained India-China relations and a potential message of disapproval for the G-20's evolving focus.

5. Conclusion

• The G-20 summit in Delhi was a historic event marked by India's exceptional leadership, consensus on critical issues, and the inclusion of developing countries' voices.
• While notable leaders were absent, the summit achieved its goals and set the stage for future G-20 meetings under Brazil and South Africa's presidencies.