Confiscated G20 sherpas' mobile phones, held over 200 bilaterals: Amitabh Kant on how the New Delhi Declaration came to be

The journey towards the New Delhi Declaration of the just-concluded G20 summit began with a blank screen. India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, in an exclusive conversation with CNBC TV18, said he was convinced that starting with a clean slate would be the best approach to avoid conflicts. He outlined 15 key principles and sought inputs from various countries, including the G7, China, emerging markets, and Russia.

Kant emphasised the importance of maintaining secrecy and focus during the negotiations. He explained that when the G20 sherpas arrived in Delhi, they were taken 60 km outside the city to Manus, where measures were taken to prevent information leaks.

Kant said, "Every time we had a meeting on geopolitics, we ensured that no one came with a mobile phone. They could only take notes to convey to their leaders because the challenge was if the drafts were leaked out to the media, then the whole geopolitical settlement would get wrecked."

"It was very complex, but I was very sure that I'll push it to the limits. You know, the good thing was that I had already worked very hard on all other issues. So the challenge left was climate, energy, and geopolitics," the Indian G20 sherpa said.

Kant described the intensive drafting process, stating that they went through about 15 drafts, starting with a blank screen. Instead of starting with pre-existing texts from previous G20 meetings, Kant initiated a fresh draft, incorporating inputs from all fellow sherpas.

Kant announced that India, Brazil, and South Africa would collaborate to prepare a balanced draft that considered everyone's views. After an all-night session, a revised draft emerged.

He said that the drafts went through numerous revisions, and over 200 rounds of bilateral discussions were held. "I asked each participating country what they wished to add. The G7 introduced several additional elements, China contributed a few, and emerging markets incorporated numerous suggestions, while Russia also made its contributions," Kant recounted.

These meetings were crucial in understanding each country's red lines, explaining India's commitment to fairness and transparency, and addressing challenges from different perspectives. "We started with a fresh draft and kept everyone involved in the process," Kant said. "After many rounds of discussions and bilateral meetings, we reached a consensus."

Kant stressed the importance of convincing the G7 nations that issues beyond war, such as development, progress, and digital transformation, were equally vital for emerging markets. After persistent efforts, a consensus was reached. "For us, developmental issues are more important than just focusing on one issue of the war," he emphasised. "Finally, we were able to convince them to adopt a more moderate stance," he said.

Kant pointed out that the final declaration strongly addresses geopolitical issues, but the language was carefully crafted to align with Bali and quote UN resolutions; address principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, political independence, and the prevention of territorial acquisitions. He urged people worldwide to read and understand the document.

The New Delhi Declaration reflects an Indian ethos, promoting the idea of "one family, one future," and emphasises that the current era should not be defined by war, he said.

Amitabh Kant credited India's success to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He stated, "In the end analysis, I could get all this consensus through largely because of the elevated state of India, and I think the stature and the standing of the prime minister as the leader."

Kant emphasised that India's strong position and the prime minister's vision played pivotal roles in achieving the consensus.

Asked about the future of the G20 and India's role, Kant said India has set a high standard for G20 leadership. He highlighted the importance of India's strong position in global affairs and its ability to achieve consensus on critical issues.

"I don't think any country in the world would have been able to achieve what India has achieved under Prime Minister Modi's leadership."