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The New Delhi Declaration, a joint statement by the leaders of the world's 20 largest economies, was no easy feat to achieve. It represented a year's worth of intensive diplomatic efforts, testing India's diplomatic prowess to its limits. The primary challenge lay in reconciling deep divisions among member nations, particularly regarding the language surrounding the ongoing Ukraine war. 

Relentless Negotiations for Consensus

The road to the Delhi Declaration was paved through relentless negotiations, involving over 200 hours of non-stop discussions, 300 bilateral meetings, and the careful crafting of 15 drafts. These exhaustive efforts ultimately led to a remarkable achievement: 100 percent consensus among the member nations on crucial geopolitical aspects, notably the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's G20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, praised his dedicated team for their pivotal role in this diplomatic success.

Key Diplomatic Leaders in the Process

Four officers emerged as instrumental leaders in crafting the joint statement and securing consensus on contentious issues. Abhay Thakur, the Additional Secretary (G20) & Sous Sherpa, brought his linguistic skills to the table as a Russian speaker, acquired during his training. Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, the Joint Secretary (G20-I), with his fluency in Chinese, played a critical role in engaging with China to facilitate a united front. Ashish Kumar Sinha, the Joint Secretary (G20-II), focused on key matters related to business and startups during India's G20 presidency, showcasing his passion for climate issues and other diverse interests. Finally, Eenam Gambhir, the Joint Secretary (G20-III), brought her experience and fluency in Spanish, gained during her diplomatic career, to address critical issues in India's neighborhood and global security matters.

A Diverse and Skilled Diplomatic Team

Together, these four officers, each with their unique linguistic and diplomatic expertise, played a pivotal role in overcoming division and clinching the New Delhi Declaration. Their dedication and tireless efforts underscored India's commitment to fostering cooperation among the world's most powerful nations during these challenging times.