The bar for Delhi's G20 Summit may have been set in Bengaluru

The absence of a joint communique suggests more attention must be paid to behind-the-scenes diplomacy ahead of meetings

- ALOK SHEEL

The first meeting of Group of 20 (G20) finance ministers and central bank governors (FMCBG) under India's presidency was held in Bengaluru on 22-25 February 2023. The finance ministers reached agreement on a wide range of economic issues, including, inter alia, support for Turkey and Syria following a devastating earthquake, the global economy, climate finance, reform of multilateral development banks, sustainable finance, debt relief, safety nets, etc. However, what grabbed global media headlines was the group's inability to issue a communique at the end of the meeting.

The news filtering down from those at the meeting is that G7 countries were adamant on using strong language to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine, including specific use of the word 'war', which was opposed by Russia and China. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoided referring to Ukraine at all in his opening comments. This may be understandable, since the G20 FMCBG is an economic forum, and India is sandwiched uncomfortably between the G7 and Russia. But there was nothing to prevent finance ministers from discussing geopolitical issues that also have deep economic and financial ramifications.