India’s strong leadership made it possible for G20 leaders to reach a consensus in intense discussions on a summit message urging nations to shun the use of force in territorial disputes, a senior European Union official said on Sunday.

For weeks before the New Delhi meeting, the bloc struggled to agree on a reference to the Ukraine conflict, with the West pressing for Moscow to be called out for its invasion, while Russia vowed to block any resolution not reflecting its views.

“(The) Indian presidency has been very strong and after intense negotiations, the unanimous outcome was quite productive,” said the official, who was aware of the G20 talks, but sought anonymity.

“Without India’s leadership it would not have been possible,” he added, referring to the summit declaration.

The declaration adopted by the Group of 20 on Saturday, when it began the two-day summit, avoided condemning Russia for the war in Ukraine but urged all states not to use force to grab territory.

The bloc’s leaders also called for the implementation of the Black Sea initiative for the safe flow of grain, food and fertiliser from Ukraine and Russia.

The EU official, however, said there was not a single word on the Black Sea grain deal from Russia, which finds itself more isolated after the summit.

“Russia should have participated, with President Putin sitting down at the table and listening to the criticism from European and global leaders,” the official said, adding, “But he has chosen not to come and participate.”

The official said, “The European Union leadership made the points very strongly during the session. You have to build an international consensus around it,” in a reference to the Ukraine conflict.

New Delhi:

Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez has announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and will not be able to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

President Sanchez said that he was feeling “fine”, adding that Spain would be represented at the G20 Summit by First Vice President Nadia Calvino Santamaria and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.

“This afternoon I have tested positive for COVID and will not be able to travel to New Delhi for the G20 Summit. I feel fine. Spain will be magnificently represented by the First Vice President and Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Esta tarde he dado positivo en COVID y no podré viajar a Nueva Delhi para asistir a la Cumbre del G-20.

Me encuentro bien.

España estará magníficamente representada por la vicepresidenta primera y ministra de Asuntos Económicos y el ministro de Exteriores, UE y Cooperación.

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) September 7, 2023

President Sanchez joins Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping as the third world leader to withdraw from the summit. 

The G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held in the national capital on September 9-10. More than 30 heads of state and top officials from the European Union, invited guest countries, and 14 heads of international organisations are expected to attend.