New Delhi: G20 leaders have called on all states to "refrain from the threat, or use, of force to seek territorial acquisition" and ruled the threat of use of nuclear weapons "inadmissible" - a discreet critique of Russia's war on Ukraine that signals a major climbdown from the declaration in Indonesia last year.
Most importantly, the 2023 New Delhi Declaration - unlike that adopted by G20 leaders in Indonesia - does not name Russia in connection with the war. It merely calls on all states to refrain from acting against the territorial integrity of any nation and that "the G20 is not the platform to resolve geopolitical and security issues... (which) can have significant consequences for the global economy".
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States were, instead, urged to "uphold principles of international law, including territorial integrity and sovereignty" and the document called for a "comprehensive, just and durable peace in Ukraine".
The declaration that followed last year's summit in Indonesia was more explicit, citing a United Nations resolution and condemning in "strongest terms... aggression by Russian Federation against Ukraine".
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In today's declaration, Ukraine - invaded in February 2022 - found mention just four times in a 37-page document India's G20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, said had been achieved with "100 per cent consensus".
The New Delhi Declaration's stance on Russia and the war reflects a major climbdown by Western nations, which had insisted on strong language when referring to Ukraine and Russia's role in the war.
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Disagreements over wording of paragraphs on geopolitical situations had stalled earlier efforts at building consensus, which India had insisted also accommodate the views of Russia and China.
Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who represents Moscow in the absence of President Vladimir Putin, had said his country would block any declaration not reflecting its views on Ukraine.
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India countered Western nations' by suggesting the G20 - while condemning suffering caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine - is "a premier forum for economic cooperation" and not to resolve geopolitical and security issues, and that "there were different views and assessments of the situation".
The New Delhi Declaration reflects the tightrope India has had to walk on this subject, given close ties with Russia (a key defence partner), friendship with Ukraine, and its membership of the Quad (which includes the United States, Australia and Japan), as well as its position as President of the G20.
The passing of this unanimous declaration also means India, as the Chair for the 2023 Summit, ensures the bloc continues the tradition of the G20 issuing a joint communique after each meeting.