Anurag Kumar
NEW DELHI: French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Sunday that the leaders’ declaration at the G20 Summit does not constitute a diplomatic lift for Moscow because the communique reflects Russia’s isolation and the majority of the group’s members have denounced the war in Ukraine.
Macron, speaking at a news conference following the two-day summit, also stated that the G20 is not the appropriate forum for making diplomatic progress on the Ukraine conflict, as the bloc was established to debate international economic and financial issues following the 2008 global financial crisis.
Macron stated, “I do not believe this is a major diplomatic victory or anything else other than isolation for Russia.” “This G20 confirms Russia’s isolation once again. Today, the vast majority of G20 members condemn the conflict in Ukraine and its consequences.”
Western members of the G20 have been criticized at home for the absence of any mention of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in the leaders’ declaration, which was included in the communique adopted at the previous G20 summit in Indonesia.
Macron stated that the G20 is “not the place to make diplomatic progress on [the Ukraine crisis].” The G20 is not a forum for political discourse, he continued. And we are primarily here to discuss economic issues and climate change.”
Even if member states disagree on the Ukraine matter, the G20 supports a lasting and just peace. He noted that sixteen G20 members supported all UN resolutions condemning Russia, while three abstained.
“The G20 stated its support for an enduring and just peace. “This is the exact opposite of what Russia is saying,” he emphasized. In addition, the G20 reaffirmed its support for territorial integrity and the UN Charter, and Russia is in a “very isolated position”, he added.
Macron stated that India did its uttermost for the G20 to work for unity and peace, and to “send the message of unity while Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine.” He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that France supports India’s endeavors.
In a joint statement, Modi and Macron agreed to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation through a partnership in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced military technologies and platforms. The leaders met over lunch on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Sunday.
In addition, they agreed to increase the production of defense equipment in India, including for third parties in the “Indo-Pacific and beyond” In this context, they demanded the prompt completion of a Defense Industrial Roadmap.
In addition, the leaders assessed the development of bilateral relations since their last meeting in Paris in July and shared their perspectives on significant international and regional developments.
Leaders discussed overall progress and next steps in implementing new goals for cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, digital public infrastructure, critical technology, climate change, education, and people-to-people contacts in the context of several key outcomes of Modi’s last visit to France, including the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and Indo-Pacific Roadmap.
The leaders also discussed the India-France partnership in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, including initiatives in infrastructure, connectivity, energy, biodiversity, sustainability, and industry.
“They highlighted their role as providers of solutions for the Indo-Pacific through their cooperation in the framework of the International Solar Alliance, launched by India and France, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure,” according to a joint statement.
In the field of civil nuclear cooperation, Modi and Macron acknowledged “good progress” in discussions for the Jaitapur nuclear plant project and welcomed ongoing efforts to establish a partnership for co-developing small and modular nuclear reactor technologies, as well as the imminent signing of a dedicated declaration of intent.
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“France reiterated its unwavering and steadfast support for India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group,” the statement continued.
Modi thanked Macron for France’s support of India’s G20 presidency, which aimed to resolve global challenges and establish a more stable global order through cooperation. India and France likewise welcomed the African Union’s G20 membership.
