At G20 summit, India makes renewed push for UNSC expansion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday renewed his call for the expansion of the UN Security Council and the reform of global institutions to better reflect the world’s “new realities.” This plea came as the G20 summit concluded, with the United States, Russia, and France commending the meeting’s outcomes under India’s presidency.

In a symbolic gesture marking the transfer of the G20 presidency, Prime Minister Modi handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Lula praised India for championing the interests of emerging economies and emphasized the need for new developing countries to join the UN Security Council as permanent and non-permanent members. He also stressed the importance of greater representation for emerging nations at institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.

During the closing session of the two-day G20 summit, Prime Minister Modi proposed hosting a virtual session of the G20 in late November to review the suggestions and decisions made by the leaders of major developed and developing countries. Additionally, the 55-country African Union was granted permanent membership during India’s presidency, marking a significant milestone.

Modi officially declared the G20 summit closed, noting that India’s presidency would continue until November 30, with over two and a half months left in its tenure as the head of the group. He concluded with a Sanskrit shloka prayer for hope and peace worldwide.

Official sources indicated that the text regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration reflects a “convergent consensus” rather than a divisive one. This text could provide a path toward resolving the crisis, following a breakthrough on the contentious issue, leading to the successful adoption of a 37-page Declaration—a diplomatic victory for India.

US President Joe Biden, as he departed for Vietnam, praised the G20 summit for demonstrating the group’s ability to address pressing global issues despite challenges such as the climate crisis and conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the G20 Summit under India’s presidency as a “breakthrough” event, showcasing solutions to global challenges and highlighting the strength and importance of the Global South.

French President Emmanuel Macron, after a meeting with Prime Minister Modi, acknowledged India’s successful tenure as G20 president, particularly in a fragmented global environment.

In his remarks during the ‘One Future’ session, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for global institutions to adapt to “new realities” and reflect the current world order. He highlighted the outdated composition of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and called for reforms to better represent the world’s transformed landscape.

Modi advocated for expanding the mandate of multilateral development banks and urged swift and effective decisions in this direction. He also addressed the significance of cybersecurity and cryptocurrencies, stressing the importance of developing global standards to regulate cryptocurrencies and ensuring global cooperation in securing cyberspace.

In conclusion, Modi emphasized the need to transition from a “global village” to a “global family,” where countries not only align their interests but also unite their hearts.

Sergey Lavrov expressed gratitude to India for preventing Western attempts to politicize the G20 and emphasized that the summit provided a direction toward fairness in global governance and finance. He noted the emergence of new centers of power globally, challenging Western hegemony.

President Lula, during the closing ceremony, emphasized the importance of peace, cooperation, and joint action in addressing the challenges of the day. He stated that the G20 was not interested in division and looked forward to the next summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, calling for dedication and commitment from all members on the path forward.

(With PTI inputs)