All-Party Meet In New Delhi And Sherpa Conference In Udaipur Marks Beginning Of India’s G-20 Presidency

Diplomats from all over the world have gathered at Udaipur this week as India took over the presidency of the G-20 group. With representatives from over 40 countries in attendance, the Sherpa track was arranged to set the tone and agenda for the coming year.

Speaking at the first formal meeting of G20 Sherpa, India's Sherpa Amitabh Kant invoked the motto of India's president-ship "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" - 'One Earth One Family One Future', to set the tone for upcoming discussions. Whether it is green development, climate finance, technological transformation or the focus on the three Fs-food, fuel and fertilisers- India's presidency is going to be inclusive, ambitious and decisive, with a focus on collective action.

The meetings started on 4 December with a panel discussion on implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. The next few days will see formal Sherpa discussions spread over five sessions, during which India will set the broad priorities of all Working Groups and hear views of other countries and organisations.

The leaders will engage on topics from 13 working groups - energy, trade, development, employment, tourism, agriculture, digital economy, health, education, culture, environment and anti-corruption - along with two new groups on Disaster Risk and Resilience and Startup20 Engagement Groups, brought to the fore by India.

2023 is set to be historic year for Indian diplomacy as India holds key summits and becomes the chair of key presidencies over the span of next 12 months. Along with presidency of G-20, India has also begun the chairmanship of the UN Security Council over the next two months.

The Prime Minister also reached out to the political class yesterday in a key all-party meet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, to solicit suggestions and cooperation from leaders of all parties. He underlined that it was the country's programme and a unique opportunity to showcase India's strengths to the entire world.