Ukraine conflict: G20 declaration calls on all states to uphold principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty

“The use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible,” said the declaration, the adoption of which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the start of the second session of the G20 Leaders’ Summit under India’s Presidency.

“Concerning the war in Ukraine, while recalling the discussion in Bali, we reiterated our national positions and resolutions adopted at the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety,” it said.

It further said, “In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state”.

Emphasising the importance of sustaining food and energy security, the G20 leaders called for the “cessation of military destruction or other attacks on relevant infrastructure”.

Calling 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 document said the peaceful resolution of conflicts and efforts to address crises as well as diplomacy and dialogue are critical.

“We will unite in our endeavour to address the adverse impact of the war on the global economy and welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives that support a comprehensive, just, and durable peace in Ukraine that will uphold all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations among nations in the spirit of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,” it added.

Replying to questions at a press conference on how difficult it was to arrive at a consensus on the Ukraine issue, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “This is a declaration of 83 paras, there are a lot of subjects covered, but obviously because of the ongoing conflict and the different views on it, considerable time was spent in the last few days with regard to geopolitical issues which were mostly centred around the war in Ukraine”.

Asked which countries helped forge consensus on the Ukraine conflict, he said, “Actually… Everybody helped. Everybody came together to forge a consensus, but emerging markets took a particular lead on this and many of us have a strong history of working together. Bear in mind that actually, you have four developing countries in succession for the G20 presidency…Indonesia, us, Brazil and South Africa.”

“I would say, rather than who helped, the common landing point was fashioned out,” he added.

On having different viewpoints, Jaishankar said, “It is a very polarising issue and there is a spectrum of views, we are being transparent…In all fairness, it was only right to record what was the reality in the meeting rooms and that is the sense that is sought to be captured.” On the change in language in the New Delhi Declaration of the Ukraine conflict from the Bali document, Jaishankar said, “Regarding the change in language on the Russia-Ukraine conflict from the Bali Declaration – Bali was Bali, New Delhi is Delhi. Many things have happened since the Bali Declaration.”