India G20: US and Russia trade blows at talks in Delhi

BBC News:

Tensions over Russia’s war in Ukraine have dominated G20 talks in Delhi, even after India’s PM urged foreign ministers to put aside their divisions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the meeting was marred by Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified war”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the West of “burying” a deal to allow some Ukrainian grain exports.

Earlier, Narendra Modi spoke for developing nations, saying those present had a responsibility to them.

The G20, which includes the world’s 19 wealthiest nations plus the European Union, accounts for 85% of global economic output and two-thirds of its population.

Foreign ministers, including Mr Lavrov, Mr Blinken and China’s Qin Gang, are in Delhi for the summit. A former Indian diplomat told the BBC India would have to “do something special” to make them overlook their differences over the war.

“We are meeting at a time of deep global divisions,” Mr Modi told the ministers gathered in Delhi, urging delegates to find common ground.

“After years of progress, we are at risk today of moving back on the sustainable development goals. Many developing countries are struggling with unsustainable debts while trying to ensure food and energy security,” he said.

“They are also most affected by global warming caused by richer countries. This is why India’s G20 presidency has tried to give a voice to the Global South.”

It was a rare address by Mr Modi in English – a sign of how seriously he wanted his message to be taken. He made no direct reference to the war in Ukraine but acknowledged that discussions would be affected by geopolitical tensions.

India’s slogan for the G20 is “One Earth, One Family, One Future”. Mr Modi called on delegates to take it to heart and focus on issues that unite them.

Thursday’s schedule includes sessions on food security, development co-operation, terrorism and humanitarian assistance – a reflection of India’s priorities while it holds the G20 presidency.

India will hope to mediate in what is likely to be a fractious meeting and make some progress towards a consensus on less politically contentious issues. But with Russia and the US expected to hold press conferences after the meeting, it’s likely that divisions over Ukraine will leave a lasting impression.