The New Delhi Declaration was a win for us and the world at large

The G20 leaders' consensus was a success of diplomacy but will be remembered best for how it serves the interests of people

-  AMIT KAPOOR & AMITABH KANT

The recently concluded G20 Summit in New Delhi roused immense public interest in India’s biggest multilateral event so far. Policy circles are abuzz with discussions on the presidency’s New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration which was adopted with full consensus. A leaders’ declaration is a document that encapsulates the work of multiple ministries, member countries and knowledge partners, over hundreds of meetings throughout the year, discussing priorities of the presidency and forum at large. The document is a statement from leaders of G20 countries, sending out a common message to the world. It showcases the ability of the forum to rally together, despite vast differences, viewpoints and interests, to make common commitments towards issues of global concern. Each word in the declaration carries weight and stems from multiple rounds of diplomatic negotiations.

The New Delhi Declaration is a remarkable feat for India, given the unique context in which we achieved it and strength of the outcomes attained. In the aftermath of the pandemic, marked by a fragmented geopolitical order, rising food and energy insecurity and debt distress, India played the role of an honest broker, and took concerted efforts to bring member nations on common ground on issues ranging from Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), combating climate change and digital transformations to strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. The term ‘consensus’ carries immense weight, considering that it had to be brought forth in a forum as diverse as the G20, and on an array of subjects that are of critical importance to all. While the declaration shows our collective strength to forge solutions for all countries, it has particularly factored in the interests and concerns of the developing world in line with the Indian presidency’s emphasis on amplifying the voice of the Global South.