In a strategic move to resolve the impasse surrounding the inclusion of the Ukraine crisis in the G20 leaders’ declaration, India has presented a fresh text to member states of the G20, sources familiar with the situation revealed.
The draft declaration, which had been collectively agreed upon by most G20 member states on Friday, notably left the section referring to the “geopolitical situation” or the Ukraine crisis empty. While negotiations yielded accord on 75 other sections, covering diverse topics including climate transition financing, reforms in multilateral development banks, and cryptocurrency regulation, discussions on the Ukraine paragraph encountered persistent obstacles.
The diplomatic process involving G20 sherpas, who serve as personal representatives of the G20 leaders, failed to reach consensus on the Ukraine issue despite extensive deliberations spanning Thursday and Friday. These discussions followed the fourth and final sherpa meeting held in Manesar on September 6.
Sources have disclosed that India submitted a revised paragraph addressing the Ukraine matter to fellow G20 members on Saturday morning. Presently, the new text is under consideration by participating nations, and initial reactions indicate that some countries find the proposed wording acceptable.
Nevertheless, sources have characterized these deliberations as challenging, with the Ukraine crisis remaining the central sticking point preventing consensus on the draft leaders’ declaration. India’s intention is to secure unanimous acceptance of the draft paragraph, ensuring a successful culmination of the summit. However, the intricate nature of the discussions suggests that further extensions might be required to reach a resolution.
Highlighting the complexities involved in drafting the Ukraine paragraph, sources have noted differences regarding whether the issue should be characterized as the “war in Ukraine” or the “war against Ukraine.” The G20 operates on a consensus-based approach, meaning that objections from any single member can delay an agreement.
In a separate development, the Chinese delegation has raised objections to a reference in the text indicating that the United States will assume the G20 presidency in 2026.
Russia and China have both opposed any mention of the Ukraine crisis in the draft leaders’ declaration. Russia’s stance is rooted in the belief that the situation on the ground has evolved since last year’s G20 Summit, warranting a different description. Meanwhile, China has contended that the G20, being an economic forum, should not delve into geopolitical issues.
It is noteworthy that throughout India’s G20 presidency this year, ministerial meetings were unable to issue joint statements due to persistent divisions over the Ukraine crisis.
