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New Delhi Hosts India-Brazil 2+2 Political-Military Dialogue

The dialogue was led by Additional Secretary (LAC) GV Srinivas, MEA & Joint Secretary (IC) Vishwesh Negi, MoD from the Indian side…reports Asian Lite News

India and Brazil held their first-ever 2+2 Political and Military Dialogue in New Delhi on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The dialogue was led by Additional Secretary (LAC) GV Srinivas, MEA & Joint Secretary (IC) Vishwesh Negi, MoD from the Indian side.

In a post on social media platform X, the official spokesperson of MEA, Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “Energising – Strategic Partnership!”

“First ever (2+2) India-Brazil Political and Military Dialogue held in New Delhi today. Co-chaired by Additional Secretary (LAC) GV Srinivas, MEA & Joint Secretary (IC) Vishwesh Negi, MoD, from the Indian side; and Director Marcelo Camara, MoFA & Rear Admiral Fernando de Luca Marques de Oliviera, MoD, from the Brazil side,” the post added.

Both sides discussed a variety of subjects including defence, space, energy, technology and more.

“Discussions spanned defence, space, energy, critical minerals, tech, counter-terrorism and regional, multilateral & other issues of mutual interest,” the MEA posted on X.

Notably, India and Brazil share a very warm and cordial bilateral relationship with each other.

The 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit, which was held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10, saw the presence of Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi the, he also extended support to India’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-29 term.

The 2024 G20 Rio de Janeiro summit is the upcoming nineteenth meeting of the Group of Twenty (G20) which will take place in Brazil under its chairmanship.

PM Modi had earlier expressed confidence that Brazil under its G20 Presidency will continue to move forward with its human-centric approach. He also said that G20 members will come together in the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to pave the way forward for global peace and stability. (ANI)

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Brazil urges ‘new globalization’ at G20 meet  

Brazilian officials said they were working on a compact final statement that would steer clear of divisive issues such as the Ukraine and Gaza wars….reports Asian Lite News

Brazil called for a “new globalization” to address poverty and climate change as finance ministers from the world’s top economies met Wednesday, but the Ukraine and Gaza wars risked overshadowing the plea.

“It is time to redefine globalization,” Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad told his counterparts from the Group of 20 leading economies, opening their first meeting of the year in Sao Paulo.

“We need to create incentives to ensure international capital flows are no longer decided by immediate profit but by social and environmental principles,” said Haddad, who gave his speech remotely after coming down with Covid-19.

The meeting, which follows one by foreign ministers in Rio de Janeiro last week, will lay the economic policy groundwork for the annual G20 leaders’ summit, to be held in Rio in November.

Brazilian officials said they were working on a compact final statement that would steer clear of divisive issues such as the Ukraine and Gaza wars.

“We know the world is going through a tense geopolitical moment,” said finance ministry executive secretary Dario Durigan.

But “there’s consensus on the economic issues,” he told journalists. “The whole world speaks the same economic language.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wants to use the rotating G20 presidency this year to push issues like the fights against poverty and climate change, reducing the crushing debt burdens of low-income nations, and giving developing countries more say at institutions like the United Nations.

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva called for bolder climate action, urging countries to accelerate emissions cuts, end fossil fuel subsidies — which reached an estimated $1.3 trillion worldwide last year — and massively mobilize climate financing.

“The climate crisis is already upon us, and we have to admit we have been a bit slow to address it,” she said at a panel discussion on the sidelines of the meeting.

Also on the agenda: increasing taxes on corporations and the super-rich.

“We need to ensure the billionaires of the world pay their fair share of taxes,” said Haddad.

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire backed that call, telling journalists that Paris is pushing to “accelerate” international negotiations on a minimum tax on the ultra-wealthy.

However, Durigan said the issue was unlikely to make it into the final statement. Even before the meeting opened, the conflict in Ukraine took center stage.

The Group of Seven countries — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the European Union — held their own meeting on the sidelines to discuss shoring up Western support for Kyiv.

Officials said the meeting — attended remotely by Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko — focused on proposals to seize an estimated $397 billion in Russian assets frozen by the West.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Tuesday the issue was “urgent.” But there were divisions among G7 members.

“I want to be very clear: We don’t have the legal basis for seizing the Russian assets now. We need to work further… The G7 must act abiding by the rule of law,” said France’s Le Maire.

ALSO READ: Brazil Slams UNSC’s ‘Paralysis’ on Gaza, Ukraine

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Brazil Slams UNSC’s ‘Paralysis’ on Gaza, Ukraine

At the two-day G20 meeting in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil has denounced ‘paralysis’ of the UN Security Council over Gaza, Ukraine….reports Asian Lite News

As the G20 convenes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil voiced frustration over the UN Security Council’s failure to address conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira highlighted the ineffectiveness of international institutions like the UN, citing the Security Council’s ‘paralysis.’

The ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, Vieira argued, result in tragic loss of innocent lives. The G20, led by Brazil since December, had hoped to address such issues but faces challenges after former president Lula’s controversial remarks accusing Israel of “genocide.”

Despite efforts to de-escalate tensions, divisions persist within the G20, particularly concerning Russia’s actions in Ukraine. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron plans to confront Russian aggression directly at the summit.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticised the West for arming Ukraine and blamed the lack of political will for the conflict’s resolution.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed skepticism about diplomatic prospects for Ukraine. Alongside addressing conflicts, Brazil aims to prioritise poverty and climate change during its G20 presidency.

However, tensions may hinder bilateral discussions, including a potential encounter between Blinken and Lavrov. Established in 1999, the G20 initially focused on economic matters but has expanded its scope to include global political issues.

Amid recent struggles for consensus, the requirement for joint statements at G20 meetings has been waived, except for the annual leaders’ summit in November.

Recently, the Brazilian government had called its ambassador in Tel Aviv, Frederico Meyer, back to the country for consultations after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced harsh criticism of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, in response to the fact that Israel summoned the diplomat for statements, the Brazilian Foreign Ministry confirmed.

The Ministry said on Monday in a statement that Foreign Affairs Minister Mauro Vieira also summoned Israel’s ambassador in Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israeli government declared Lula da Silva “persona non grata” on Monday. Lula da Silva on Sunday accused Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip.

In January, Brazil joined South Africa in bringing a case of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Last week, during a tour of Africa, Lula da Silva announced Brazil will make new contributions to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Blinken Conveys US Disagreement to Lula on Israel

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva engaged in a candid conversation on Wednesday, during which Blinken expressed the United States’ disagreement with Lula’s recent remarks regarding the conflict in Gaza, media reported.

Lula’s comparison of the situation in Gaza to the Nazi genocide during World War Two had led to a diplomatic rift with Israel, resulting in his exclusion from the country until he retracts his comments.

“I would say that it was a frank exchange, with the secretary making clear that we don’t agree with those comments,” Reuters quoted a senior State Department official as saying.

U.S. officials had previously said they expected Lula and Blinken to have a robust conversation on issues of global security, including the conflict in Gaza that was sparked by attacks in Israel by Hamas militants on Oct. 7, the Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, according to Brazil’s presidential office, the meeting, which lasted nearly two hours in Brasilia, covered various topics, including the G20 summit and peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Lula reiterated his commitment to peace and resolution in both regions, with a shared agreement on the necessity of establishing a Palestinian state, the Brazilian government said in a statement.

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Brazil recalls ambassador to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Lula’s comments as “disgraceful and grave”….reports Asian Lite News

Brazil has recalled its ambassador to Israel, and Israel says Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is not welcome in the country in a diplomatic rift after Lula compared Israel’s military campaign in Gaza to the Holocaust.

“What’s happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people hasn’t happened at any other moment in history. Actually, it has happened: when Hitler decided to kill the Jews,” Lula said on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Lula’s comments as “disgraceful and grave”.

On Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that Lula is not welcome in the Middle Eastern country until he takes back his comments.

“We will not forget nor forgive. It is a serious anti-Semitic attack. In my name and the name of the citizens of Israel, tell President Lula that he is persona non grata in Israel until he takes it back,” Katz told Brazil’s ambassador, according to a statement from Katz’s office.

In response, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would summon Israel’s ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, for a meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

“He [Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira] also recalled the Brazilian ambassador in Tel Aviv, Frederico Meyer, for consultations. He will depart for Brazil tomorrow,” the Foreign Ministry added on Monday.

Meanwhile, Lula, 78, also faced backlash at home over his statements on Sunday, which came during a press conference on the sidelines of an African Union summit in Addis Ababa.

The Brazil-Israel Institute called his comments “vulgar” and warned they risk “fuelling anti-Semitism”.

Lula condemned the Hamas-led October 7 attacks on southern Israel as a “terrorist” act the day it happened, and he has since grown vocally critical of Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza.

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Puri Meets Chief Advisor to Brazilian President

Puri also highlighted ‘Nari Shakti’ as one of important pivots of the India Growth Story under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi…reports Asian Lite News

Union Minister Hardeep Puri met his ‘old friend’ Celso Amorim, who is the Chief Advisor to the Brazilian President Lula da Silva, during his visit at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland.

He recalled his time as Indian Ambassador to Brazil when Celso was Brazil’s Foreign Minister and his time as Indian envoy to the UK, when Celso was Brazil’s envoy in London.

“Delighted to meet my old friend Amb Celso Amorim who is now the Chief Advisor to Brazilian President HE Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.We go back a long time! He used to be Brazil’s Foreign Minister when I served as India’s ambassador to Brazil from Jan 2006 to May 2008.Earlier when I was India’s Dy High Commissioner to UK, Amb Celso was Brazil’s Ambassador in London!” Puri posted on X.

Notably, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has joined the World Economic Forum along with Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani.

Earlier on Monday, the two leaders, along with other industry leaders, launched the WeLead Lounge at Davos.

The Lounge showcases the role of women in economies and is set to have wide ranging discussions on opportunities in women-led development.

Puri also highlighted ‘Nari Shakti’ as one of important pivots of the India Growth Story under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Celebrating the emergence of #NariShakti as one of the important pivots of the India Growth Story as we move from women centred development to Women Led development under the leadership of PM @narendramodiJi,” he said in a post.

“Was a delight to join my colleague Smt @smritiirani Ji along with captains of the industry at the launch the #WeLead Lounge at #Davos2024The Lounge showcases the role of women in economies & is set to have wide ranging discussions on opportunities in women-led development,” the Union Minister added.

The 54th Annual Conference of the World Economic Forum is underway in Davos, Switzerland. This conference will be held for three days.

Meanwhile, Accenture’s ‘Pulse of Change: 2024 Index’ released on Day 1 of the WEF in Davos showed positive news for India. According to the survey, In India the rapid pace of change holds continued potential for wide-ranging impact on leaders in the year ahead.

A striking 89% of leaders in India anticipate an even faster rate of change in 2024. 76% of leaders in India see change as an opportunity, and 63% expect revenue growth to accelerate in 2024. Fifty-eight percent of C-suite leaders in India expect the pace of technology disruption to accelerate even further in 2024. (ANI)

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Modi expresses India’s full support for Brazil’s G20 Presidency

The Prime Minister said India will extend its full support for the success of Brazil’s G20 Presidency…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed confidence that G20 will continue to move forward with a “human-centric approach” under Brazil’s G20 Presidency and that members of the grouping will give priority to food security, health security and sustainable development.

In his closing remarks at the virtual G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed confidence that G20 will continue to work for the expectations of the Global South.

He extended his good wishes to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for G20 Presidency and said he is confident that “G20 will continue to move forward with a human-centric approach”.

The Prime Minister said India will extend its full support for the success of Brazil’s G20 Presidency.

He also said that G20 members will come together in the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to pave the way forward for global peace and stability.

“We will continue to work for the expectations of Global South. We will give priority to food security, health security and sustainable development. Along with climate action, we will work towards just, easy and affordable climate finance,” the Prime Minister said.

The virtual G20 Summit was held under the chairmanship of PM Modi.

The 18th G20 Leaders’ Summit was held in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. It saw the unanimous adoption of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration which demonstrated the commitment of the G20 leaders to address global challenges in an inclusive, decisive and action-oriented manner.

At the closing session of the Leaders’ Summit, PM Modi had suggested to the G20 leaders to reconvene virtually towards the end of India’s G20 presidency period to take forward the guidance provided by the participating leaders in their interventions.

India assumed G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, and it will continue till November 30. (ANI)

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UAE, Brazil Explore Strategic Cooperation

The two ministers explored opportunities for developing cooperation in various areas, including economics, development, food security, renewable energy, and climate issues….reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has met with Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil, in the capital, Brasilia.

The meeting, which took place as part of Sheikh Abdullah’s tour to several Latin American and Caribbean countries, touched on bilateral relations and ways to promote them as part of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two ministers explored opportunities for developing cooperation in various areas, including economics, development, food security, renewable energy, and climate issues.

Additionally, the discussions covered Brazil’s preparations for presiding over the G20 Summit in 2024 and the outcomes of both countries’ participation in the G20 Summit held in the Republic of India last month.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Minister Mauro Vieira discussed the cooperation between the UAE and Brazil within the framework of BRICS following the UAE joining the bloc. Sheikh Abdullah emphasised the significance of this collaboration within BRICS, which provides an outstanding platform for international, multilateral action to achieve sustainable development and prosperity for nations. He commended the Republic of Brazil for supporting the UAE’s membership in the group.

Moreover, Sheikh Abdullah briefed Vieira on the UAE’s preparations to host the Conference of the Parties (COP28) in November this year at Expo 2020 Dubai. The two ministers agreed on the significance of COP28 in advancing bilateral cooperation in climate change matters and achieving a qualitative shift in global climate action.

The UAE Foreign Minister re-affirmed that the strategic partnership between the UAE and Brazil is strong and growing and supports the visions of both countries for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development in all sectors.

His Highness highlighted that the UAE and Brazil will celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries next year. He stressed their joint determination on advancing their strategic partnership further in all areas.

Vieira, in turn, praised the distinguished UAE-Brazil strategic ties, expressing his wishes for the UAE’s success in hosting COP28.

The meeting was attended by Saleh Ahmad Alsuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Brazil, and Saeed Mubarak Al Hajri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Commercial Affairs.

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India, Brazil Pledge to Enhance Cooperation on Climate and Sustainability

The leaders noted with satisfaction the conclusion of domestic procedures for the entry into force of the India-Brazil Social Security Agreement…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the sidelines of the G20 summit, during which the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) including its expansion in the permanent and non-permanent categories.

They emphasised on increased representation of developing countries in both, to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, representativeness, and legitimacy in order to better meet contemporary challenges in international peace and security, according to a joint statement issued the meeting.

Modi and Lula, as the Brazilian leader is popularly known, met hours after India formally handed over the G20 presidency to Brazil at the closing ceremony of the Delhi summit.

Both the leaders reiterated their mutual support for their countries’ permanent membership in an expanded UNSC. They stated that Brazil and India will continue to work closely together in the framework of G-4 and the L.69. The two leaders also agreed on having regular bilateral coordination meetings on Security Council Reform.

Both Modi and Lula expressed disappointment at the paralysis created at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations on UN Security Council reform, which have not produced tangible progress.

They agreed that time has come to move towards a result-oriented process that aims to achieve concrete outcomes in a fixed time frame, the statement said.

Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and India, celebrated in 2023, both leaders emphasised that bilateral ties have flourished based on common values and shared objectives, including the pursuit of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

They reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the Brazil-India Strategic Partnership and to sustaining their distinctive roles in global affairs. Lula congratulated Modi for India’s successful G20 presidency and pledged to collaborate closely with India during Brazil’s G20 tenure, commencing in December 2023.

Both leaders welcomed the consecutive presidencies of developing countries in the G20, which elevates the Global South’s influence in world governance. They noted with satisfaction the formation of a G20 troika comprising the three IBSA countries during Brazil’s presidency.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved under various institutional dialogue mechanisms. PM Modi welcomed President Lula’s announcement of Brazil´s support to the Indian candidature for non-permanent seat of the UNSC for the 2028-2029 term.

Both leaders acknowledged the urgency of a fair and equitable energy transition. They noted the vital role of biofuels and flex-fuel vehicles in decarbonising the transport sector, especially in developing nations. The two commended bilateral initiatives in bioenergy, involving both governmental and private sectors, and celebrated the establishment during India’s G20 presidency of the Global Biofuels Alliance, of which both countries are founding members.

Both leaders recognised that climate change represents one of the greatest challenges of our time that needs to be addressed in the context of sustainable development and of efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. The two countries commit to broadening, deepening and diversifying their bilateral cooperation on climate, as well as their joint efforts towards a strengthened global governance under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its Kyoto Protocol and its Paris Agreement, said the statement.

They also pledge to work together to ensure that the UNFCCC multilateral process from COP28 to COP30 paves the way for a course-correction on climate, while uniting the international community around the ultimate objective of the Convention and the goals of its Paris Agreement, in the light of equity and the best available science, taking into consideration the gravity and sense of urgency emanated from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6).

They reiterated their determination to enhance the multilateral response to climate change in a way that also tackle inequalities within and among countries, including by working closer together within the Group of 77 and China and the BASIC Group of countries.

“India welcomes Brazil’s presidency of BASIC and fully supports the Brazilian prospective presidency of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP30), in 2025,” the statement said.

Both countries also agreed to increase joint projects in partnership with ISA (International Solar Alliance) and CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) in third countries.

Highlighting their roles as major global food producers, the leaders reaffirmed their resolve to increase cooperation in sustainable agriculture and rural development, including at the multilateral level, with the aim of safeguarding food and nutritional security of both countries and of the world. They underscored the need for open, unimpeded and reliable food supply chains and called upon the international community to ensure that agricultural trade is not affected by unilateral restrictions and protectionist measures, duly taking into consideration the multilateral trade rules.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the formation of Joint Technical Committees to facilitate trade in agriculture and animal husbandry products.

Acknowledging the recent increase in bilateral trade and investment, the leaders agreed that economic exchanges between Brazil and India have the potential for further growth, taking advantage of the scale of their respective economies and the potential for forging industrial partnerships.

Expressing satisfaction over the growing trade between India and Mercosur, both leaders agreed to work together for the expansion of India-Mercosur PTA during Brazil’s Mercosur Presidency, to leverage the full potential of this economic partnership. They welcomed the establishment of the India-Brazil Business Forum as a dedicated platform for private sector collaboration.

The leaders welcomed the increased defence cooperation between India and Brazil including participation in military exercises, exchange of high-level defence delegations, and substantive industry presence in each other’s defence expositions. They encouraged the defence industries from both sides to explore new collaboration avenues and commence joint projects to co-produce technologically advanced defence products and build supply chain resilience.

The leaders noted with satisfaction the conclusion of domestic procedures for the entry into force of the India-Brazil Social Security Agreement.

President Lula congratulated PM Modi and India for the historic achievement of Chandrayaan-3’s landing in the south polar region of the Moon, as well as the successful launch of India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, both important feats which mark remarkable milestones in space exploration.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the IBSA Forum, the leaders vowed to foster higher-level dialogues among the three IBSA partners and affirmed the strategic significance of IBSA in safeguarding and advancing the interests of the Global South on the global stage, including at the multilateral and plurilateral bodies. Modi extended full support to Brazil’s IBSA Chairship.

Regarding the recent BRICS summit in South Africa, both leaders acknowledged its positive outcomes, particularly the renewed and strengthened support for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the invitations extended to six countries to become full members of BRICS.

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India Hands Over G20 Presidency to Brazil

Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed “unwavering faith” in Brazil for leading the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency with dedication, vision and has also assured “all possible cooperation” to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

India has passed the ceremonial gavel of the G20 presidency to Brazil on Sunday. “India passes the gavel to Brazil. We have unwavering faith that they will lead with dedication, vision and will further global unity as well as prosperity. India assures all possible cooperation to Brazil during their upcoming G20 Presidency. @LulaOficial,” wrote PM Modi on X. “I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency,” PM Modi said minutes before the New Delhi G20 Summit concluded.

Earlier Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday thanked India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in conducting the G20 Summit and set forth three priorities under his country’s presidency of the grouping. These, the Brazil President said includes social inclusion and the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development and reform of global governance institutions.

At the closing session of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said, “All these priorities are part of the Brazilian presidency motto which says ‘Building a fair world and a sustainable planet’. Two task forces will be created – Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the Global Mobilisation against Climate Change.”

His remarks came after PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to him. The Brazilian President said that the world needs to redouble its efforts to achieve the goal of ending world hunger by 2030.

“Shared my thoughts during Session 3 of the G20 Summit. This Session focussed on the theme of ‘One Future.’ Emphasized on the need of the hour being to look beyond the idea of a Global Village and make the vision of Global Family a reality,” posted PM Modi on X after the closing ceremony.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India. (ANI)

PM proposes virtual review session of G20 in Nov

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the conclusion of the G20 Summit here and proposed to hold a virtual G20 session in November to review the suggestions and proposals made at the premier forum for international economic cooperation.

“As you all know India has the responsibility of G20 presidency till November 2023. In these two days, all of you gave a lot of suggestions and placed proposals. It is our duty to see how faster progress can be achieved on these,” PM Modi said.

“I propose that at the end of November, we hold a virtual session of G20. We can review the topics decided in this Summit, in that virtual session. I hope you all will connect in the virtual session. With this, I declare the conclusion of the G20 Summit,” he added.

Before declaring that the summit had ended, PM Modi handed over the ceremonial gavel of the Group of 20 presidency to Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

“I congratulate Brazilian President and my friend Lula da Silva and hand over the gavel of Presidency,” PM Modi said.

Earlier Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva handed over saplings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of Session 3 of the G20 Summit.

While Indonesia held the G20 presidency last year, Brazil will hold the presidency after India.  

India took over the G20 presidency on December 1 last year at the G20 Summit in Bali and will continue to hold it till the end of November.  

The New Delhi Declaration was adopted by G20 leaders on Saturday, the first day of the Summit. 

The G20 leaders visited Rajghat on Sunday morning to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

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How hardball negotiations helped India pull off G20 declaration

It was a tough negotiation and the consensus on the declaration was a great achievement by India, European sources said on the condition of anonymity…reports Asian Lite News

A series of hardball negotiations by India with China, Russia and other key Western players and a strong backing by Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia to the efforts helped New Delhi achieve consensus on the G20 declaration, defying fears about whether the document could be issued at all in view of sharp divisions in the bloc on the Ukraine war, diplomatic sources said on Saturday.

India managed well in convincing China to agree to the text relating to the Ukraine conflict after the European Union concurred with the text, they said.

On the first day of the summit on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the G20 leaders’ declaration was adopted with consensus, throwing a major surprise as both the Russia-China combine and the West had indicated that they would not budge from their respective position on the Ukraine conflict.

French diplomatic sources said India has displayed a “kind of power and an ability to bring countries together”, adding not many countries are in a position to negotiate as New Delhi has done to take on board comments from everyone, and work out a compromise proposal on the Ukraine conflict.

It was a tough negotiation and the consensus on the declaration was a great achievement by India, European sources said on the condition of anonymity.

Asked about the absence of the term “Russian aggression” on Ukraine in the declaration which figured in the Bali G20 declaration, the sources said the Western countries were satisfied with the overall outcomes.

Another source said India circulated the final draft to the G20 members on Friday night saying if they do not agree to it, then there will be no declaration.

India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said the negotiations with Russia and China took place last night.

The French diplomatic sources described the declaration as “very satisfactory” from Paris’s point of view.

The joint statement also found mention of Modi’s famous remark that “Today’s era must not be of war.” His vision of Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE) also figured in the declaration.

The French diplomatic sources also said that the Indian presidency wanted to see a language of “consensus emerge”.

To achieve a language of consensus on a subject as divisive as Ukraine, “we had to be able to reaffirm what we said in Bali, which we have done by recalling the Bali conversation”, a source said.

“We had to refer to the United Nations texts, which are indeed mentioned,” the source said.

“Then we had to affirm a few obvious points for us, but which are not necessarily obvious for everyone, that is that a war of territorial conquest is unacceptable, that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States must be respected, and that a just and lasting peace must respect these principles,” the source said.

“All this is well incorporated in the text and, as was our main objective at this summit. It enables us to look ahead to what should be the solution for a just and lasting peace at the end of the war in Ukraine,” the source added.

The declaration said that all States must refrain from conquering territories by force.

“Russia is the only country to have done so. All this helps to build consensus for the future,” the source said.

In the declaration, the G20 leaders said they looked forward to meeting again in Brazil in 2024 and in South Africa in 2025, as well as in the United States in 2026 at the beginning of the next cycle.

“We welcome Saudi Arabia’s ambition to advance its turn for hosting the G20 Presidency in the next cycle. We also look forward to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 as a symbol of peace, dialogue amongst nations and inclusivity, with participation of all,” it said.

ALSO READ-G20 Adopts Delhi Declaration