G20 Summit in Delhi: A Complex and Divided Membership

Strategic Insights -

The Indian capital New Delhi has been transformed into a hub of international activity ahead of the G20 summit, with the city's streets being cleaned and its inhabitants relocated to make way for world leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has invested heavily in the event, spending a reported $135-million, dwarfing the budget of previous summits. Despite this, critics argue that Mr. Modi is using the G20 as an opportunity to boost his domestic support ahead of elections next year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The G20 summit in Delhi is set to be one of the most divided and complex in recent history, with top-ranking diplomats struggling to close agreements ahead of the meeting.
  • Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has hinted that Moscow will not compromise on its stance on the Ukraine invasion, despite Western leaders suggesting they will not support a statement that falls short of the Bali declaration in its criticism of Russia.
  • China's absence from the summit has raised eyebrows, with Beijing's top leader Xi Jinping missing only one other G20 meeting since becoming president in 2013.
  • The Chinese leader's absence has sparked speculation about territorial disputes between China and India, as well as domestic issues such as an economic downturn and natural disasters that may require his attention.
  • The G20 summit in Delhi will likely focus on domestic achievements rather than international breakthroughs, with India aiming to show the world how far it has come as a rapidly rising power.

Statistics:

  • $135-million: The reported budget for the G20 summit in Delhi, dwarfing the budget of previous summits.
  • $45-million: The budget for last year's G20 meetings in Bali.
  • 2023: The year in which India will formally propose the African Union as the next G20 member.
  • 2020: The year in which hundreds of troops brawled with clubs and makeshift weapons in Ladakh.

Sources:

  • John Kirton, director of the G20 Research Group at the University of Toronto.
  • Amitabh Kant, India's chief sherpa.
  • Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister.
  • Clifford May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
  • Bill Bishop, long-time China watcher and author of the Sinocism newsletter.
  • The New Delhi Times.
  • The Moscow Times.