New Delhi Summit's most notable achievement was the African Union's inclusion in the G20 as a full member

The successful conclusion of the G20 Summit in New Delhi under India”s presidency marked a milestone. It boosted India”s global standing and showcased New Delhi’s ability to foster consensus and cooperation among the world”s leading economies, addressing critical global challenges. The Delhi Declaration, outlining key outcomes and commitments of the Summit, underlines this achievement. The Summit also highlighted India”s growing diplomatic prowess and global leadership role.

India”s G20 presidency came at a time of escalating global tensions coinciding with a period of flux globally. The world grappled with numerous challenges, including post-COVID-19 economic recovery, climate change, food and energy security crises, supply chain disruptions, and conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine War. The international community looked to India to be instrumental in building a global consensus for addressing these issues and shaping the future agenda of global common goods. India was also expected to bridge divides between developing and developed nations and within the Western bloc, especially concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The New Delhi Summit”s most notable achievement was the African Union”s inclusion in the G20 as a full member, highlighting India”s leadership in championing the interests of developing nations and the global South. This also reinforces India”s global leadership in promoting a fair and inclusive international order in harmony with the G20″s goals. G20 now covers nearly 80 per cent of the world’s population, 88 per cent of GDP and 70 per cent of trade share.

Another significant milestone was the New Delhi Declaration, the unanimous consensus document on all developmental and geopolitical matters during the opening day of the Summit. In the lead-up to the Summit, doubts loomed regarding the possibility of a consensual declaration. Nevertheless, New Delhi successfully crafted an 83-paragraph leaders” declaration with unanimous agreement. India”s diplomatic prowess was evident as it bridged gaps between the Western and Chinese-Russian blocs, particularly on the issue of the Ukraine war. Unlike the previous Bali Declaration, the New Delhi Declaration refrains from explicitly condemning Russia, instead referring to it as “the war in Ukraine.” This highlights India”s ability to navigate complex international issues while maintaining constructive relationships with major powers.

On the economic cooperation front, a significant development during the Summit was the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which occurred on the sidelines of the event. This corridor”s primary objective is to boost connectivity and trade along the route, linking India with Saudi Arabia and extending to Europe. It represents India”s efforts to establish enhanced and broader connectivity within the region, potentially increasing India”s strategic influence in this area. It is also worth noting that amidst Western media scrutiny of its stance on the Ukraine war, the New Delhi Summit under the Indian presidency reaffirmed the G20″s role as the premier forum for global economic cooperation.

The New Delhi Summit further showcased India”s growing global leadership in addressing climate change. G20 nations account for 80 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions home to more than 90 per cent of global operating coal power plants. India”s commitment to inclusive climate action, with proposals like the green development pact and sustainable development goals, was highlighted during the Summit. The launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance further emphasized India”s dedication to clean fuels, which is essential for achieving Net Zero targets. This new Alliance aims to bring countries together to expand and create new markets for sustainable biofuels. The New Delhi Declaration also signifies a shift in climate finance, highlighting the need for $5.8-5.9 trillion by 2030 for NDCs and $4 trillion annually for net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing resilience, adaptation, and an evolving climate finance landscape.

India”s endorsement of digital technology for Agenda 2030″s Sustainable Development goals was embraced by the G20 members, recognizing its role in fostering inclusivity and sustainability. The group also recognized India”s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model and agreed to establish DPI principles.

In sum, the successful conclusion of the G20 meeting in New Delhi has bolstered India”s global standing, earning it greater respect and influence. This has solidified India”s role in shaping global policy and fostering international cooperation.

–Rajeesh Kumar is Associate Fellow at MP-IDSA and was co-chair of the T20 India Task Force to India’s G20 presidency

(Disclaimer: The views and the details expressed above are the writer’s analysis.)