The success of the G20 India Leaders’ Summit, marked by unanimous agreement among all participating nations, owes its achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global reputation, as stated by India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant on Monday. This summit in New Delhi signaled a new era in global collaboration, with PM Modi passing the G20 Presidency to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. India’s message of ‘one earth, one family, one future’ rooted in the age-old belief of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ resonated strongly throughout the three thematic sessions.
This monumental event held at Bharat Mandapam over the weekend captivated not only the 20 member states, nine invitee nations, and 14 international organizations but the entire world. India’s G20 presidency earned acclaim for ensuring that the Global South is no longer marginalized in the development process.
A historic moment emerged when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the African Union as a new permanent member of the G20, inviting Comorian President and African Union Chairperson Azali Assoumani to join the high table. This move fulfilled a promise made during a previous summit and was praised by African leaders.
The adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration marked another milestone, with all 83 paragraphs achieving unanimous consensus among all countries. This declaration encompassed various aspects, including geopolitics, under the theme of ‘Planet, People, Peace, and Prosperity,’ demonstrating unprecedented unity.
The declaration showcased India’s significant contributions, such as principles on food security, the blue ocean economy, tourism, land restoration, and support for MSMEs. Additionally, the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) aimed to promote sustainable biofuels and foster global cooperation.
A strategic infrastructure project, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), was also unveiled during the summit. This corridor, connecting Europe to Asia through railway and road networks, holds the promise of enhancing global trade, energy cooperation, and digital connectivity.
Before handing over the G20 Presidency to Brazil, PM Modi, along with other world leaders, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, creating a poignant image of India’s presidency. Brazilian President Lula, who assumed office for an unprecedented third term, expressed a deep emotional connection to Mahatma Gandhi and his principles of non-violence.
