Development core issue for Global South: Modi at G20

A G20 development ministers’ meeting on Monday was unable to agree on a consensus outcome document because of differences over the Ukraine crisis, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought collective action to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to ensure no one is left behind.

The differences within G20 over the Russian invasion of Ukraine came to the fore again as opposition by Russia and China held up consensus at the conclave of development ministers despite host India’s efforts to find common ground.

An outcome document and chair’s summary with 14 paragraphs that was issued by India at the conclusion of the meeting mentioned there was no consensus on two paragraphs related to the war in Ukraine. The footnotes made it clear that Russia disassociated” itself from a description of the document as a common outcome” because of the references of the Ukraine conflict, while China stated the meeting outcome should not include any reference to the Ukraine crisis”.

In a video message, Modi said countries of the Global South were severely impacted by the disruption created by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the food, fuel and fertiliser crises due to geopolitical tensions. I strongly believe that it is our collective responsibility not to let the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs) fall behind. We must ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

It is imperative for G20 to send a strong message that we have an action plan to achieve this”, and the grouping’s efforts must be comprehensive, inclusive, fair and sustainable, Modi said. We should increase investment in fulfilling the SDGs and find solutions to address the debt risks faced by many countries,” he added.