The G20 Summit 2023, hosted by India, has been hailed as a major success by the international community. The United States lauded India for its successful hosting of the summit and praised the landmark ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor’, which is expected to usher in a new era of connectivity from Europe to Asia and stimulate economic growth across the two continents.
The summit concluded with the ‘New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration’, which was achieved with 100% consensus despite differences over the Russia-Ukraine war. This is seen as a significant diplomatic win for India. The declaration has garnered praise from major global powers, including China and the United States, who acknowledged the collaborative effort of member countries in addressing global challenges.
The summit also saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi transfer the G20 presidency to Brazil, marking the end of India’s term. The event was marked by several bilateral meetings, including those with U.S. President Joe Biden, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, and Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth.
However, the summit was not without its controversies. Critics pointed out that while Prime Minister Modi’s face was prominently displayed throughout the capital during the event, India’s diversity was not given a similar platform. Vendors, who are a common sight on Indian streets and rely on daily income from their sales to survive, were notably absent during the summit days.
Despite these criticisms, the G20 Summit 2023 will be remembered as a significant event in India’s diplomatic history. It demonstrated India’s ability to bring together world leaders and foster consensus on critical global issues, further cementing its position on the world stage.