'Bali was Bali, Delhi is Delhi': Jaishankar After Delhi Declaration Text On Ukraine War

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed any comparisons between the Bali Declaration and the New Delhi Declaration of the G20 leaders. He emphasized that the situations at the time of their adoption were different.

"In regards to the comparison with the Bali declaration, I can only say Bali was Bali and New Delhi is New Delhi. Bali was a year ago, and the situation was different. Many things have happened since then," Jaishankar stated during a press conference following the consensus reached on the G20 leaders' joint statement.

He further elaborated on the content of the leaders' declaration, particularly in the geopolitical segment, which comprises eight paragraphs. Jaishankar pointed out that seven of these paragraphs primarily address the Ukraine issue and highlight contemporary challenges. He stressed the importance of not interpreting the situation in a dogmatic manner.

"The New Delhi declaration responds to the situation and concerns as they are today, just as the Bali declaration did in a situation that existed a year ago," the External Affairs Minister explained.

Regarding China's participation at the G20 summit, Jaishankar emphasized that it's up to each country to determine its level of representation. He noted that what matters most is the position a country takes and its contributions to the deliberations and outcomes. Jaishankar mentioned that China was very supportive of various outcomes during the G20 summit.

Under India's G20 presidency, a significant milestone was achieved as all leaders adopted the declaration following adjustments made by India on the Ukraine issue. The declaration emphasized adherence to the UN Charter's principles, refraining from the use or threat of force for territorial acquisition, and the inadmissibility of the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons.