G20 condemns Russian aggression in Ukraine, terrorism; veiled warning against Chinese territorial claims

RAJESH SHARMA, KalimNews, NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 : The New Delhi Declaration of G20 has been a major victory for the joint efforts of the democratic world order led by the U.S. and India to condemn the Russian aggression against Ukraine and to offer an alternative to the coercive model of economic growth being dumped on the developing countries by China.

In fact, a liberal interpretation of the joint declaration could also be interpreted as a condemnation of the Chinese territorial claims in the South
China Sea and in Arunachal Pradesh, as put forth in a recent map released by Beijing. Asserting that "today's era must not be of war", the G20 Summit on Saturday called on all states to uphold the principles of inter national law including territorial integrity and sovereignty and said the peaceful resolution of conflicts as well as diplomacy and dialogue were critical.

"Concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling the discussion in Bali, we reiterated our national positions and resolutions adopted at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety," the declaration said. In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state. "The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible," it added.

While the declaration reaffirmed that the G20 was a premier forum for international economic cooperation, and recognized that it was not a platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues, it was argued that the war in Ukraine was having significant consequences for the global economy and global food security. "We highlighted the human suffering and negative added impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, supply chains, macro-financial stability, inflation and growth, which has complicated the policy environment for countries, especially developing and least developed countries which are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic disruption which has derailed progress towards the sustainable development goals," the declaration said, while noting that there were " different views and assessments of the situation."

The declaration called for ensuring the immediate and unimpeded deliveries of grain, foodstuff and fertilizers from the Russian Federation and Ukraine. "This is necessary to meet the demand in developing and least developed countries, particularly those in Africa," it added. Emphasising the importance of sustaining food and energy security, the G20 leaders called for the "cessation of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure.” The declaration also expressed “deep concern” about the adverse impacts conflicts had on the security of civilians.

The call of the joint declaration on “all the states to uphold the principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system that safeguards peace and stability” could also be interpreted as going beyond the condemnation of Russian aggression on Ukraine and asking China to refrain from extending its territorial claims in the South China Sea and Arunachal Pradesh and occupation of disputed territories in eastern Ladakh in violation of bilateral agreements between India and China, observers said. The emphasis on the observance of international humanitarian laws could be interpreted as condemnation of the violation of human rights in Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Replying to questions at a press conference on ow difficult it was to arrive at a consensus on the Ukraine issue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said," This is a declaration of 83 paras, there are a lot of subjects covered, but obviously because of the ongoing conflict and the different views on it, considerable time was spent in the last few days with regard to geopolitical issues which were mostly centred around the war in Ukraine". 

Asked which countries helped forge consensus on the Ukraine conflict, he said, "Actually... Everybody helped. Everybody came together to forge a consensus, but emerging markets took a particular lead on this and many of us have a strong history of working together. Bear in mind that actually, you have four developing countries in succession for the G20 presidency...Indonesia, us, Brazil and South Africa. I would say, rather than who helped, the common landing point was fashioned out," he added. On having different viewpoints, Jaishankar said,

"It is a very polarising issue and there is a spectrum of views, we are being transparent. In all fairness, it was only right to record what the reality in the meeting room was and that is the sense that is sought to be captured." 

On the change in language in the New Delhi Declaration of the Ukraine conflict from the Bali document, Jaishankar said, "Regarding the change in language on the Russia- Ukraine conflict from the Bali Declaration - Bali was Bali, New Delhi is Delhi. Many things have happened since the Bali Declaration. One should not have a theological view of this. The New Delhi Declaration responds to the situation as it stands today. The New Delhi Declaration responds to the concerns of today just like the Bali Declaration responded to the concerns of that time," he added.

The G20 Bali Leaders' Declaration said, "We reiterated our national positions as expressed in other for a, including the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly, which, in Resolution No. ES-11/1 dated 2 March 2022, as adopted by majority vote (141 votes for, 5 against, 35 abstentions, 12 absent) deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and demands its complete and unconditional withdrawal from the territory of Ukraine." 

It also said, "most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine." Describing the negotiations on the wordings of the Ukraine conflict as "tough and ruthless", India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said it went on for days and the issue was clinched because of the leadership of the Prime Minister. "We had to say, the leader wants it and this has to be delivered," he added.

The Declaration, the adoption of which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the start of the second session of the G20 Leaders' Summit, said all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. 

They also committed to support the increasing resource needs of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF- style regional bodies. "We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace. It constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration said.

The G20 leaders strongly condemned all terrorist acts against critical infrastructure, including critical energy facilities, and against other vulnerable targets. 

Effective counterterrorism measures, support for the victims of terrorism and the protection of human rights are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually reinforcing, the leaders said.

"A holistic approach on the basis of international law can effectively counter terrorism. Efforts to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation should be strengthened to deny terrorist groups safe haven, freedom of operations, movement and recruitment, as well as financial, material or political support," the Declaration said. (with inputs from EOI and PTI)