This year’s G-20 (Group of Twenty) Summit was held at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre (IECC) in New Delhi, India, between September 9 and 10, 2023. The theme of India’s G20 Presidency was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translates to “One Earth • One Family • One Future”. On last September 9 and 10, heads of state, governments, and other senior officials from the Group of 20 and allied nations were in India to seek solutions to the world’s shared problems.

THE ATTENDEES AND INVITEES OF THE G-20 SUMMIT 2023

The leaders’ summit this year is the largest to date, with many invited guests from the world’s growing economies and multilateral organizations, as well as reputable delegations from member states. Having delegates from a variety of international and regional organizations in the same location at the same time was an excellent chance to connect together and discuss national and global interests.

The summit also saw the participation of top administrators from international organizations including Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of WTO.

According to India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Act East Policy,” Bangladesh is one of the key nations. In fact, Bangladesh’s geostrategic position (as a link between South and Southeast Asia) makes it a crucial nation for both India and extraregional countries.

Sheikh Hasina arrived in New Delhi on Friday not only to attend the G-20 Summit, but also for a bilateral meeting with Narendra Modi, her Indian counterpart. Sheikh Hasina received a warm welcome upon her arrival in India, filled with a red carpet and traditional dance performances at the airport. She was greeted by Indian Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Darshana Vikram Jardosh, and a cultural team also presented a welcome dance.

TAKEWAYS FROM THE SUMMIT

The G20 nations have committed to achieving robust, sustainable, and inclusive growth by 2030, ensuring that all member nations advance collectively. They underscore the significance of fostering a regular, equitable, free, just, and strong economic relationship among themselves, recognizing that this will benefit the development and progress of all member states.

The key takeaways include

Consensus on New Delhi Declaration

The G20 leaders successfully reached a consensus on over 100 agenda items, including the highly contentious Russia-Ukraine conflict during the “One Family” session, to address a wide range of global challenges. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, a 37-page document, meticulously addresses each of the G20’s priorities for this year.

Regarding the Ukraine conflict, the declaration emphasizes the significance of achieving “durable peace in Ukraine” and seeks solutions to the impending deliveries of essential goods such as grains, foodstuffs, and fertilizers/inputs from Russia and Ukraine. The document recognizes with compassion the “immense human suffering” caused by conflicts and hostilities around the world, with a particular focus on their impact on global food and energy security. It condemns unequivocally any use or threat of nuclear weapons in relation to the Ukraine crisis.

G-20 expands with African Union being a member

The African Union became a member of the Group of 20 on the first day of the G20 summit, thereby increasing the continent’s representation within the group.

“With everyone’s approval, I request the African Union head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member,” Modi said in his opening address. He referred to this expansion as a transformation of the G20 into a “people’s G20.”

The 55 member states of the African Union (six of which are presently suspended due to junta rule) have a combined GDP of $3 trillion and a population of approximately 1.4 billion. This addition considerably expands the G20, which previously consisted of 19 countries and the European Union, representing 85 percent of the global GDP, with South Africa being the only African member.

Call for full and timely implementation of Black Sea grain initiative

Leaders of the G20 issued a statement urging the prompt and complete implementation of a UN-mediated agreement that permits Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea to global markets. The declaration emphasized the significance of maintaining food and energy security and called for the “cessation of military destruction” or other attacks against relevant infrastructure. As a result of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian grain transportation through Black Sea ports has been a pressing concern.

‘Spice Routes’ and Israeli normalization

A partnership that includes the United States and Saudi Arabia is putting forth the massive “Spice Routes” initiative. This initiative intends to create a modern commerce route linking Europe, the Middle East, and India. The plan calls for the development of infrastructure in the Middle East, including railways, ports, data networks, and hydrogen conduits. It could increase trade between India and Europe by as much as 40 percent and help normalize relations between Israel and the Gulf Arab states.

Brazil takes over G20 presidency from India

Brazil has taken over the G20 presidency from India with PM Modi handing over the gavel to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil said that during its presidency in 2024, it will priorities poverty, sustainable development and the reform of multilateral institutions including the International Monetary Fund and the UN Security Council for more inclusive global governance.

“We are living in a world where wealth is more concentrated in which millions of human beings still go hungry, where sustainable development is always threatened, in which government institutions still reflect the reality of middle of the last century. We will only be able to face all these problems if we address the issue of inequality – inequality of income, of access to healthcare, education, food, gender and race and also of representation is at the origin of these anomalies.”

President Silva

G-20 AND BANGLADESH’S STANDING

At the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina actively participated in discussions and proposed a number of crucial recommendations geared at bolstering global solidarity and addressing pressing global challenges. She effectively portrayed Bangladesh as a visionary and responsible international community member anxious to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world. In addition, Bangladesh held bilateral meetings with Argentina, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia, which bolsters its geopolitical standing.

PM points out 4 key recommendations for a better world

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need for global solidarity and concerted action to resolve global issues at the G20 Summit on September 9. She included the recommendations as one of the Champions of the UN Secretary General’s newly formed Global Crisis Response Group in 2022. Her remarks in the “One Earth” session of the summit included four key recommendations aimed at cultivating international cooperation and addressing critical issues affecting humanity.

A Call for global unity

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recommendations echo her call for global unity in addressing pressing challenges. She emphasized that, as equal members of the global family, nations must work together to ensure a dignified life and prosperous future for all.

Hasina advocated for prioritizing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the need for multilateral initiatives like the G20 to champion this cause. Hasina also highlighted the importance of extending support to economies transitioning from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to developing nations, ensuring they have access to markets and resources for a sustainable transition. Her request for stable and predictable supply chains for essential goods underscored the urgency of addressing global crises, including food, fuel, and fertilizer shortages. Moreover, the Prime Minister stressed gender equality and empowerment as crucial components of building inclusive and peaceful societies. Finally, she called for enhanced global cooperation to establish a just and equitable economic order.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:

• Implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a global priority.

TRANSITIONING ECONOMIES:

• Support countries transitioning from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to developing ones with market access and tariff preferences.

STABLE SUPPLY CHAINS:

• Keep markets open for a predictable supply of essential goods, especially agricultural products.

GENDER EQUALITY:

• Empower women to build inclusive societies and ensure gender equality.

GLOBAL COOPERATION:

• Enhance South-South and triangular cooperation, involving institutions and stakeholders, for a fair global economic order.

HASINA HIGHLIGHTS BANGLADESH’S REMARKABLE PROGRESS

Sheikh Hasina addressed world leaders on Day One of the G20 summit in New Delhi, highlighting Bangladesh’ accomplishments in rapid socio-economic growth and continued commitment to tackle climate change. Hasina’s addresses further underscored Bangladesh’s determination to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable global future.

During the “One Earth” session, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the country’s commitment to addressing climate change in accordance with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She emphasized Bangladesh’s disproportionate climate change effects despite the country’s negligible contribution. During the same session, she discussed the Ashrayan initiative of 1997 and disaster management accomplishments, such as cyclone shelters and “Mujib Killas.” In addition, she referenced the “Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan” and the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 in an effort to garner support for the National Adaptation Plan.

“I believe that G20 would be supportive to the development process of developing countries.

PRIME MINISTER SHEIKH HASINA

Hasina highlights Bangladesh’s remarkable progress

POVERTY REDUCTION:

• 41.5% to 18.7% and extreme poverty to 5.6% in 14 years.

EDUCATION SUCCESS:

• Literacy rates increased from 45% to 75.6%. Primary school enrolment increased to 98%.

HEALTHCARE ADVANCEMENTS:

• Life expectancy has increased from 59 to 73 years since 2006. Infant mortality rate reduced to 21 per thousand (from 84), and maternal mortality dropped to 161 per hundred thousand (from 370), with the presence of 18,500 community clinics.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT:

• Topped Gender Gap Index in 2022 among South Asian nations.

BILATERAL MEETINGS ON THE SIDELINE OF G20 SUMMIT

Inside Hasina and Modi’s bilateral meeting

Prior to the G-20 Summit, Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi met at Modi’s residence in New Delhi for a crucial bilateral meeting. The objective was to strengthen the already robust connections between India and Bangladesh. The leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues, including politics, security, trade, and connectivity, as well as water resources, energy, development, and cultural exchange. They also discussed regional developments and international collaboration.

Sheikh Hasina thanked India for its support during Bangladesh’s liberation war and lauded the country’s socioeconomic development under her leadership. Modi also praised Hasina’s leadership and acknowledged Bangladesh’s contribution to maintaining a state of calm in India’s northeastern states.

Moreover, the crucial bilateral discussions include the following:

TEESTA WATER-SHARING TREATY: The leaders discussed the long-standing issue of the Teesta water-sharing treaty. Modi assured Hasina that India would prioritize resolving this matter through government-level discussions.

ROHINGYA REPATRIATION: Sheikh Hasina urged Modi to accelerate the repatriation of Rohingya refugees, emphasizing the significance of finding a long-term solution to this crisis from a humanitarian standpoint.

UNINTERRUPTED SUPPLY SUPPORT: Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted flow of essential products between the two nations. Negotiations for guaranteed supplies of essential commodities, such as wheat, onion, lentils, rice, sugar, garlic, and ginger, were discussed.

CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS: Hasina and Modi have agreed to expedite ongoing rail and road connectivity projects that seek to improve regional integration, commerce, and connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

NEGOTIATIONS ON CEPA: The leaders voiced their eagerness for the start of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will include trade in products and services and encourage investment.

In addition, the utilization of the Chattogram and Mongla Ports as well as the inauguration of the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline were discussed.

The two prime ministers agreed to immediately initiate three projects.

They include-

• Agartala-Akhaura Rail Link
• Unit-II of the Maitri Power Plan
• Khulna-Mongla Rail Link

After the bilateral meeting, Modi said on X that “gladdening progress” had been made in the bilateral relations between the two neighbors over the past nine years.

BANGLADESH AND INDIA SIGN THREE MOUS

During this bilateral visit, Bangladesh and India have signed three memorandums of understanding (MoU). These are-

• Agreement between Bangladesh Bank and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for network connectivity to facilitate transactions in rupee and taka.
• Cooperation on Agricultural Research and Education between the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Extension of the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) from 2023 to 2025 to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the arts, literature, and cultural sectors.

UAE assures investment

During the bilateral meeting between UAE and Bangladesh, the president of United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan lauded Sheikh Hasina for ensuring Bangladesh’s remarkable socio-economic development over the years. The UAE president also assured PM Hasina of more investments in Bangladesh from the UAE.

Saudi Arabia affirms enhanced cooperation

During a meeting at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed gratitude to Bangladeshi migrants, acknowledging their substantial contributions to the Saudi economy, with nearly 2.8 million Bangladeshi workers making a significant impact. He praised Sheikh Hasina for her inspiring leadership, which has driven remarkable socioeconomic development in Bangladesh. Bin Salman affirmed the commitment of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to enhance cooperation and appreciated Saudi investments in projects like the Patenga terminal, Payra port, and ACUWA Renewable Energy. Hasina congratulated Prince Salman on Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic achievements, inviting him to visit Bangladesh, an invitation he accepted with enthusiasm.

Argentina applauds Bangladesh’s love and support

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Argentine President Dr Alberto Fernandez held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Fernandez expressed that Bangladeshi people have won hearts of people in Argentina through their love and support for football. Hasina also expressed her willingness to deepen cooperation in areas like sports, trade, and agriculture, among others.

South Korea to deepen collaboration

In the bilateral talks between Sheikh Hasina and South Korean President Yoon Suk, the two leaders agreed to further deepen collaboration in culture, trade, commerce, and people-to-people connections. Hasina also expressed thanks for the Republic of Korea’s investments and contribution to Bangladesh’s economic growth.

Significance of PM’s visit to India

The significance of Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to India extends far beyond her participation in the G20 Summit and bilateral discussions with five nations. It has carved out a prominent position for Bangladesh in international geopolitics, cementing vital alliances and paving the way for expanded cooperation.

Multiple world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, and Indian President Droupadi Murmu, met with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, highlighting the increasing global interest in Bangladesh’s geopolitical role. In addition, countries including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom and others have expressed a desire to strengthen ties with Bangladesh and extend support to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Essentially, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India transcends the G20 Summit, recasting Bangladesh in a new light on the international stage and presenting opportunities for multifaceted international cooperation.

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