G-20 Conference in New Delhi: Agreements, Announcements, and Diplomacy

The participants of the G-20 conference held in New Delhi, India, agreed on the New Delhi Leaders Declaration. The conference also announced the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which is considered a challenge to China's BRI project.

According to the BBC, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the economic corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe will commence soon. Communication and physical infrastructure work will be undertaken as part of this project.

Modi made the announcement about the Economic Corridor in the presence of US President Joe Biden, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, and European Commission Chief Ursula Van Der Leyen. He stated, 'It will showcase to the entire world a sustainable path for connectivity and development. Strong communication and physical infrastructure are the foundational elements for the advancement of human civilization.' It is expected that trade between India and Europe will become more efficient and faster through the railway route planned for this corridor.

Manifesto Issued

The conference, which did not include the heads of state of Russia and China, has also issued the New Delhi Leaders Declaration. There were doubts about making such an announcement. The Russian Foreign Minister and Chinese Premier participated in the conference. Indian media have reported that India successfully secured agreement from all countries on the declaration by using diplomatic language regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict to avoid causing irritation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally announced the agreement on the New Delhi Leaders Manifesto, describing it as a historic achievement. He said, 'Thanks to the hard work of our team and the support of all of you, New Delhi has reached an agreement on the G-20 Leaders Declaration. This agreement has created a new chapter in history.'

He also posted on the social network X (formerly Twitter), 'With consensus and determination, we are committed to working together for a better, more prosperous, and coordinated future.'

Earlier, European countries and the US had lobbied for strong criticism of Russia for its actions in Ukraine. In doing so, there was a risk of irritating Russia, a conference participant, and jeopardizing the joint declaration. It is reported that, due to this risk, a middle ground was found, and the proposal to accept the declaration received unanimous support from all participating member states.

According to the BBC, the declaration reaffirms discussions about the Ukraine conflict that took place in Bali. Additionally, it states that the threat or use of nuclear weapons against any country, without naming Russia, is unacceptable. The declaration emphasizes, 'The use of force should be avoided against the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or political independence of any country, and the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable.' The manifesto also underscores that the current era should be one of peace and that it will adhere to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.

Now a Member of the African Union

The G-20 comprises countries with some of the world's most powerful economies. The Apikan Union also gained permanent membership during the New Delhi conference. Previously, the G-20 consisted of 19 countries and one European Union member. With the addition of the African Union, there are now 19 countries and two unions in the G-20.

G-20 members include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, and the USA.

However, the conference saw the participation of more than 30 heads of state, top leaders, and heads of 14 international organizations. Their return to their respective countries has begun today.