INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: India on Saturday played a gracious host on Day 1 of the G20 summit in the national capital even as it scored a big diplomatic
breakthrough with a consensus on the New Delhi leaders' declaration
The day, which began with PM Modi welcoming global leaders at the sprawling Bharat Mandapam, witnessed several positive developments,
including the announcement of a historic connectivity deal between India, Middle East and Europe.Read AlsoIndia got 100% consensus on New
Delhi Declaration: G20 Sherpa Amitabh KantCalling the New Delhi Declaration "historical and path breaking," G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on
Friday said that India got the "100 per cent" consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues focussing on Strong, Sustainable,
Balanced, and Inclusive Growth Accelerating Progress on SustainableIndia, US, Saudi Arabia, EU announce mega infrastructure deal to rival
China's BRI: Why it's importantIndia, US, Saudi Arabia and the European Union on Saturday announced a multinational rail and ports deal on
the sidelines of the G20 summit with an aim to counter China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).The ambitious plan seeks to bolster
trade between India, the Middle East as well asHere are the top takeaways from the first day of the mega two-day conclave: Konark Wheel
serves as backdrop of welcome handshakeA replica of Konark Wheel from the Sun temple in Odisha's Puri served as the backdrop of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi's welcome handshake with G20 leaders as they arrived at the summit venue on Saturday.The Konark Wheel was built
during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I
The wheel embodies India's ancient wisdom, advanced civilisation and architectural excellence.When US President Joe Biden arrived at the
conclave, PM Modi was seen explaining the significance of the background to him.Bharat replaces India on name cardIn another big push to the
country's name as "Bharat", PM Modi on Saturday opened the G20 summit sitting behind a name plate that read "Bharat" and not India.This is
not the first time that "Bharat" has taken precedence over India in the recent times
In fact, the debate over possible governent move to change the country's name to "Bharat" from India was triggered by President's invite for
the G20 dinner which referred her to as the President of "Bharat."India also serves as the acronym for the newly formed opposition bloc
Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).Adoption of New Delhi leaders' declarationIn a big win for India's presidency, the
consensus was reached after over 150 hours of intense negotiations with the member states, including China and Russia."History has been
United in consensus and spirit, we pledge to work collaboratively for a better, more prosperous, and harmonious future
My gratitude to all fellow G20 members for their support and cooperation," PM Modi later said on X.G20 nations call for peace in UkraineThe
consensus declaration announced at the summit avoided condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine but called on all states not to use force to
grab territory."We call on all 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," the declaration said."We ..
welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine ..
the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible," the statement added.Ukraine's foreign ministry said the declaration was
"nothing to be proud of", adding that a Ukrainian presence would have given participants a better understanding of the situation.100%
consensus on all issuesCalling the New Delhi Declaration "historical and path breaking," G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that India got the
"100 per cent" consensus on all developmental and geo-political issues focussing on strong, sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth
accelerating progress on sustainable development goals."All countries have unanimously supported the New Delhi Leaders Declaration
This is one declaration without a single footnote and without any Chairs Summary
This is a complete statement with 100 per cent unanimity," Kant said.He added that G20 India has been the most ambitious in the history of
"With 112 outcomes and presidency documents, we have more than doubled the substantive work from previous presidencies," he said.Mega
connectivity corridorPlans for an ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor were also unveiled on Saturday in an effort to rival
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).India, US, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates and others launched the
initiative to link railways, ports, electricity and data networks and hydrogen pipelines on the sidelines of summit.Prime Minister Narendra
Modi asserted that India does not limit connectivity to regional borders and believes that it can play a key role in strengthening mutual
US President Biden described it as a "very big deal".African Union becomes permanent G20 memberThe African Union became a new permanent
member of the G20 on the first day of the summit
It marks the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999.PM Modi had strongly pitched for the inclusion of the
African Union, in a nod to India's efforts of bridging the gap between the Global South and the West.India launches Global Biofuel Alliance
After the second session, India announced the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance and urged G20 nations to join the initiative with a plea
to take ethanol blending with petrol globally to 20 per cent.The Global Biofuel Alliance, which the world's third biggest oil consumer wants
to push during its G20 presidency, mirrors the International Solar Alliance (ISA) piloted by New Delhi and Paris in 2015 to bring clean and
affordable solar energy within the reach of all.Speaking at the G20 Summit session on 'One Earth', Prime Minister Narendra Modi also
proposed launching the 'G20 Satellite Mission for Environment and Climate Observation' and urged leaders to commence work on the 'Green
Credit Initiative'.(With inputs from agencies)
