G-20 Summit Concludes; PM Modi Calls For Virtual Review Meet In November

Relevance: GS2 - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

(Source: The Hindu, 09/11/2023)

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Why in the news?

• Recently, the G-20 Summit 2023 concluded at New Delhi with India able to successfully achieve a joint declaration.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed that a virtual summit be held in November 2023 to coincide with the end of India’s Presidency.

Transition of G-20 Presidency

• Prime Minister Modi ceremoniously handed over the G-20 Presidency to President Lula Da Silva, initiating the transition process for the next round of the G-20 in Brazil
• Prime Minister Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel to Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva initiating the process of transition of the President’s chair for the next round of the G-20 in Brazil.
• He also expressed hope that the goals of the G-20 would be further advanced during the upcoming Presidency of Brazil.
• He further suggested that a virtual summit be held in November 2023 to coincide with the end of India’s term as President of the G-20.

Future Plans and Virtual Summit

• Prime Minister Modi proposed a virtual session of the G-20 Summit at the end of November to assess progress on the proposals made during the September summit. This session will coincide with the conclusion of India's G-20 Presidency.

Highlights of the summit

African Union's Entry into G-20

• The African Union was admitted as a new member of the G-20.
• This made it the 21st member of the grouping and the second regional bloc after the EU.
• This highlighted the G-20's commitment to inclusivity and global cooperation under the Indian Presidency.

Joint Declaration Amid Ukraine Crisis

• The summit was able to produce a joint declaration on the Ukraine crisis despite the strong differences among member countries.
  • Russia and China have opposed text on the invasion of Ukraine as they believe the G-20 is purely an economic body.
  • In comparison, the EU had claimed that the matter must be discussed and that the politicization of the G-20 was undeniable.
• It was adopted through consensus, highlighting the importance of diplomatic cooperation and conflict resolution.
• It did not condemn Russia for the use of force or invasion and recognized that war of territorial conquest is unacceptable, that sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be respected, and that a just and lasting peace must be achieved.

Bilateral Meetings and Collaborations

• During the summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings with world leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Erdogan, and President Macron.
• The discussions were focused on strengthening India's trade, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships with other members of the G-20.

Technology and Governance

• The G-20 Summit conducted discussions on digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.
• Members highlighted the need for international rules and a similar framework to ensure that such disruptive technologies can be used safely and inclusively.

India-France Collaboration

• After the summit, the Prime Minister of India and the President of France issued a Joint Statement.
• It highlighted the collaborative efforts between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific and Africa.
• It covered domains such as infrastructure, connectivity, energy, sustainability, and industrial projects.

Support for Quake-Hit Morocco

• Countries expressed condolences and committed to assist earthquake-hit Morocco.
• They emphasized the importance of global cooperation and peace in disaster management.

Global Governance Reform

• President Macron recommended a deep reform of global governance structures, such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund.
• The African Union also reiterated this demand as these post-World War institutions were inequitable.
• The demand for reform of multilateral bodies and developmental institutions reflected the need for an equitable and inclusive international order.
• The reform of the UN Security Council was agreed to for the first time in the G20 Summit.
• It also decided to implement the Action Plan against Fugitive Economic Offenders that will help strengthen international cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement agencies to combat corruption.

India-Middle East-EU Transport Corridor

• The members also discussed the creation of a India-Middle East-EU transport corridor.
• The corridor aims to establish a network of roads, ports, and maritime routes.
• One of the major benefits of the initiative, according to Turkey, was the participation of Iraq.

Enhancing Maritime Cooperation

• Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the importance of maritime cooperation and potential opportunities in shipping, trade, etc in a meeting with President Azaly Assoumani of Comoros, who is also the chair of the African Union.

Mahatma Gandhi's Legacy

• The leaders acknowledged Mahatma Gandhi's inspirational role in non-violent political movements.

Sustainable Development

• The Summit made significant progress on goals such as eliminating hunger and malnutrition, health collaboration and delivering quality education.
• It also focuses on eliminating gaps in the existing pandemic response mechanism, such as institutional and funding arrangements.

Conclusion

• The G-20 Summit 2023 included significant developments such as the admission of the African Union's entry and the adoption of a 'Joint Declaration' amid the Ukraine crisis.
• This demonstrated the G-20's commitment to addressing challenges through cooperation and dialogue.

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FAQs

MCQs

Question: In which one of the following groups are all four countries members of G20? (UPSC CSE 2020)

(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey

(b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand

(c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam

(d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea