The G20, comprised of the world’s major economies, has been grappling with discord over its official stance on the conflict in Ukraine for months. Western nations have been pushing for a strongly worded condemnation of Russia’s actions in the Leaders’ Declaration, while other member nations have been advocating for a more nuanced approach, emphasizing broader economic concerns.

The elusive consensus on the issue had left the “geopolitical situation” paragraph of the declaration blank in an earlier 38-page draft. However, negotiators managed to find common ground on a staggering 75 other paragraphs, encompassing a wide range of global challenges, from addressing mounting global debt to the regulation of cryptocurrencies and the pressing need to combat climate change.

Modi’s Call for Unity

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who presided over the summit as the G20’s president, opened the two-day meeting with a stirring call for unity among member nations. He highlighted the urgency of resolving the “global trust deficit” and made a historic announcement by granting permanent membership to the African Union, a move aimed at making the G20 more representative of the world’s diverse nations.

“Today, as the president of G20, India calls upon the entire world to first convert this global trust deficit into one trust and one confidence,” Prime Minister Modi declared. “It is time for all of us to move together.”

The war in Ukraine has been a thorny issue within the G20, mirroring the broader global divide over Russia’s actions in the region. Western nations, including the United States and European Union members, have been vocal in their condemnation of Russia’s invasion and have been pushing for a robust and unequivocal statement in the Leaders’ Declaration.

However, other member nations, including China and Saudi Arabia, have expressed reservations about singling out Russia, citing the need to prioritize economic issues within the G20’s purview. This divide has led to protracted negotiations, with diplomats working tirelessly to find compromise language that respects differing viewpoints.