The inaugural G20 Summit 2023 hosted by India marked a substantial milestone, not just for the Indian government but also for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, bolstering their standing as global leaders with the capacity to influence the global agenda. Remarkably, from a foreign policy vantage point, the Summit’s triumphs encompassed the adoption of a consensus resolution, even amid discord regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the expansion of the G20 summit 2023 to include the African Union.

These accomplishments served as a testament to India’s diplomatic acumen and its adeptness in navigating intricate international relations, thereby solidifying its position and prominence on the global stage. On the first day of the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant announcement by introducing the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration—a delicate diplomatic manoeuvre bridging the language gap between the Russia-China bloc and the Western nations led by the G7.

In addition to this, Modi unveiled plans for the India-Middle East-Europe mega economic corridor, a collaborative initiative involving India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States. On the second day of the Summit, global leaders paid their respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat, with US President Joe Biden subsequently departing for Vietnam.

Prime Minister Modi engaged in bilateral meetings with various heads of state and organizations, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and European Union Chief Ursula von der Leyen, among others. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murthy visited the Akshardham temple in New Delhi and paid their respects.

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G20 Summit 2023 Beyond the Summit: The Delhi that world leaders could not see

When introducing a city like Delhi to foreign visitors, it’s imperative to acknowledge that the presentation of the capital entails more than mere observation; it requires a meticulously curated experience. This task becomes particularly intricate for a city with Delhi’s historical depth, having served as the epicentre of power for numerous dynasties and empires over centuries.

The imprints and remnants of these diverse historical eras often intertwine, scattered across the city, sometimes in the most unexpected corners. Determining which facets to emphasize and what to defer or reserve for future exploration is a nuanced decision, influenced by the aspiration to convey an India that evokes pride.

However, it also raises the question of what might remain unseen or even concealed from the perspective of international heads of state, introducing an additional layer of complexity to this undertaking.

“Transforming India – Saudi ties”: MEA as PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Saudi’s Crown Prince Saud.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extensive bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson used social media, specifically X (formerly known as Twitter), to emphasize that the discussions aimed to catalyze a transformative enhancement of the relationship between the two nations.

How the G20 Summit 2023 presidency brought India and Bharat together

On December 1, 2022, India assumed the presidency of the G20 with the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” This motto is deeply rooted in India’s cultural ethos and the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which emphasizes the concept of the world as one global family.

Under India’s leadership, the G20 has witnessed a notable shift in its approach to global partnership and cooperation. India’s presidency marks a departure from the traditional dominance of the Global North in shaping the global narrative. Instead, it signifies a resurgence of the Global South, asserting its priorities on critical global issues such as the economy, energy, climate, and culture.

This transformative shift departs from the conventional top-down diplomatic approach and embraces a bottom-up, citizen-centric model known as “Rajan-Bhandari,” which innovative diplomacy tool during India’s presidency. India’s G20 leadership has made this approach a central focus and recognized it as a significant achievement in reshaping global diplomacy.

PM Narendra Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman hold bilateral talks

Following his participation in the G20 Leaders’ summit in New Delhi, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud engaged in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a primary focus on strengthening bilateral trade and defence relationships. Additionally, both leaders are set to co-chair the inaugural meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).

Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Delhi, spanning three days and encompassing both the G20 Summit 2023 and a state visit, commenced with a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

In his statements to reporters after the ceremonial welcome, he commended India for the announcements made during the summit, recognizing their potential to bring benefits to both nations, the G20 member states, and the global community as a whole. He reaffirmed his commitment to working towards a prosperous future for both countries.

India-Europe Economic Corridor: What is the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment that is behind the project?

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit 2023 in New Delhi, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among the Governments of India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, and Italy to establish the India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

The IMEC envisions a network of transportation corridors, including railway lines and sea routes, to promote economic growth by fostering integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe. Although specific project details remain undisclosed, this initiative forms part of the Western-led effort, the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), which finances infrastructure projects worldwide. PGII is often perceived as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

G20 declaration on health: Mention of India’s 3 priorities, digital push

All three health priorities of India’s G20 presidency were addressed in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration released on Saturday.

The declaration emphasized the need to strengthen primary healthcare, the health workforce, and essential health services, with the goal of surpassing pre-pandemic levels, ideally within the next two to three years. In addition to addressing epidemics such as tuberculosis and AIDS, the G20 recognized the importance of conducting research on long-term COVID-19.

Furthermore, the declaration highlighted the significance of adopting a “one health” approach, which involves monitoring diseases in animals, plants, and humans through a unified mechanism. This approach places particular emphasis on combatting antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusion

The G20 Summit 2023 hosted by India played a pivotal role in shaping the global agenda and fostering cooperation among the world’s major economies. India’s presidency focused on key themes such as inclusivity, sustainable development, and collaborative action, reflecting the pressing issues of our time. The summit addressed a wide range of critical challenges, from climate change and economic recovery to healthcare priorities and international partnerships.

The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration underscored a shared commitment to building a more resilient, equitable, and interconnected world. Through its presidency, India showcased the G20’s capacity to facilitate meaningful dialogue and drive initiatives that address pressing global concerns. The summit left a lasting impact, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all nations.