The G20 Sherpa has received widespread praise for his and his team’s work
New Delhi:
Two hundred hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings and 15 drafts went into reaching consensus on the conflict in Ukraine, paving the way for the G20’s adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.
This was shared by G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, who appreciated two members of his team for their tireless work during the summit.
“The most complex part of the entire #G20 was reaching consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This happened over 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings, 15 drafts. In this I was helped a lot by two brilliant officers – @NagNaidu08 & @eenamg,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The most complex part of the whole #G20 was to reach consensus on the geopolitical paras (Russia-Ukraine). This happened during 200 hours of non-stop negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings and 15 drafts. In this I was greatly assisted by two brilliant officers: @NagNaidu08 & @eenamgpic.twitter.com/l8bOEFPP37
— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) September 10, 2023
The G20’s adoption of the New Delhi Declaration is seen as a huge victory for India against the backdrop of difficulties in reaching consensus due to the conflict in Ukraine and disagreements over tackling climate change.
Following the bloc’s adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday announced: “I have received good news. Thanks to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on the G20 Leaders’ Summit Declaration in New Delhi. My proposal is this leadership statement. I announce my acceptance of this statement. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, Ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible.”
Yesterday, Kant said at a press conference: “When we came to power, Prime Minister Modi said that the Indian presidency must be inclusive, decisive and action-oriented. The New Delhi Declaration has a total of 83 paragraphs, and all 83 paragraphs have 100 percent consensus in all countries. There are eight sections on geopolitical issues entitled ‘Planet, People, Peace and Prosperity’. All these eight paragraphs have a 100 percent consensus.”
“All countries have unanimously supported the New Delhi Leaders Declaration. This is one statement without a single footnote and without any chairman’s summary. This is a complete statement with 100 percent unanimity,” he added.
The G20 Sherpa has received widespread praise for his and his team’s work in building consensus on controversial issues such as Ukraine.
Among those who praised him was senior Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor. Mr Tharoor, who previously served under Secretary General at the United Nations, had words of appreciation for Mr Kant and said this is a proud moment for India.
“Well done @amitabhk87! Looks like the IFS lost a top diplomat when you chose the IAS! “Negotiated with Russia and China but got the final draft last night,” says India’s G20 Sherpa on the consensus on the ‘ Delhi Declaration’. A proud moment for India at the G20!” Tharoor tweeted.
