In a remarkable turn of events, Bharat’s diplomatic prowess shone brightly throughout 2023, with its G20 presidency standing out as a major achievement. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar likened the G20 to the World Cup of diplomacy, emphasizing the gathering of influential nations to discuss crucial global issues.
Bharat took over the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, culminating in the 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10, 2023. The summit saw the unanimous adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, a groundbreaking moment as all 83 paragraphs were passed with 100% consensus, marking a departure from previous norms.
A significant highlight was the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance, a collaborative effort by leading biofuel producers and consumers, including Brazil, Bharat, and the United States. The alliance aims to intensify the use of sustainable biofuels globally, emphasizing cooperation, trade facilitation, and policy lesson-sharing.
Additionally, a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor was launched by Bharat, the US, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union. This corridor, named the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC), is set to boost economic development and integration through enhanced connectivity between Asia, West Asia/Middle East, and Europe.
One of the historic achievements of Bharat’s G20 presidency was the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. Prime Minister Modi’s proposal in June paved the way for this significant development, aligning with India’s key priorities for the G20 summit.
The G20 Summit’s theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth * One Family * One Future,” underscored the global unity required to address pressing issues. A virtual G20 Summit held on November 22, chaired by PM Modi, continued the momentum, expressing confidence in Brazil’s G20 Presidency to prioritize food security, health security, and sustainable development.
PM Modi, in a recent column, celebrated Bharat’s G20 presidency achievements, emphasizing the revitalization of multilateralism and the amplification of the Global South’s voice. The Prime Minister highlighted Bharat’s commitment to inclusivity, ambition, action-oriented decisions, and decisive leadership during its G20 presidency.
US President Joe Biden commended the G20 Summit, noting its ability to drive solutions to pressing global issues such as the climate crisis, fragility, and conflict. As the year concludes, Bharat’s diplomatic success in the G20 marks a significant chapter in the nation’s global engagement.
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