New Delhi– India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, delivered a compelling perspective on the recent G20 Summit held in Delhi, emphasizing the strategic advantage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence. Speaking at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2023, Kant shed light on the intricate negotiations that culminated in the Delhi Declaration.
Kant acknowledged the arduous nature of negotiations with China but emphasized the development of a “very favorable rapport” with the Chinese Sherpa.
In response to inquiries about whether Xi’s non-participation had disrupted proceedings, Kant articulated, “It was the most fortuitous circumstance.” He expounded on the pivotal bilateral meeting between Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden that took place on the sidelines of the previous G20 Summit in Bali, characterizing it as an event that “completely overshadowed” the summit. Kant further underscored that their prolonged discussion, lasting over 2.5 hours, became the focal point.
Amitabh Kant elaborated, stating, “Our accomplishment was shifting the spotlight onto the G20 and away from bilateral encounters.”
Recalling the culmination of negotiations on September 8, just a day before the commencement of the two-day G20 Summit, Kant recounted, “On September 8, we reached the final round of discussions, and we made it clear: ‘This is the ultimate draft, accept it or reject it.’ We believed it addressed everyone’s core concerns.”
He added, “We declared no more negotiations at the sherpa level. If any leader encountered an issue, they could engage with my leader. By 3.30 in the morning, we had secured the support of emerging markets,” Kant concluded.
This narrative underscores the diplomatic finesse exercised by India during the G20 Summit, with Kant’s astute observations resonating with attendees at the India Today Conclave Mumbai 2023.
