Foreign Leaders at G-20 and their Media reaction
The G-20 Summit has come to an end. Despite Putin and Xi's decision to skip it, it was still a thumping success.
Its main declaration of consensus was that the group supports all initiatives which enhance durable peace, including in Ukraine. The Indian diplomacy made a determined effort to reach a consensus among all powers.
What was said and done was of less importance. It is the sideline discussions of all the leaders which mattered the most. We do not know what they talked about. We only know a bit of their discussions thru their own country’s media reaction to the summit. Here's a sample:
The US came to get Russia's condemnation of the Ukraine invasion. The final declaration avoided discussing and mentioning it. President Biden observed in person the upcoming technology and manufacturing superpower that is India. He has already signaled a positive message to the US businesses to keep India's potential in mind. That is good news. The NYT, a major US media outlet, avoided any criticism or ridicule towards India.
The British Prime Minister was welcomed as a son-in-law of India, although India and Britain are at odds with each other on trade-related issues and unnecessary issues of Khalistan. The British support was the reason for the latter's success. Controlling it is now proving to be difficult for them. Also, the British media could not avoid commenting on the pro-India/Hindu policies of the BJP.
For Russia, keeping Ukraine out of discussion and the G-20 declaration was a positive step. Interfax, the Russian news agency, did not express any negative emotions during the Summit or the G-20 declaration.
The Chinese were surprised by its success during a subdued discussion. In general, they commented that India is forcing the meeting to follow its own agenda. Also, decision to build a new connectivity link to Europe through Saudi Arabia as a competition to their own BRI is causing them upset. China finds debt restructuring to be a sensitive issue. They wish to avoid any conversation on it.
The Canadian media's response was unique. Their Prime Minister's cold treatment was a unique concern for them. It was obvious after the abrupt cancellation from almost finalized trade talks that India reacted cold. The media in Canada only reported about Trudeau’s withdrawal of his hand from a long handshake with Modi. To an independent observer, it was not obvious enough to matter. But Trudeau had planned it and made it look like return of cold shoulder treatment to him. Trudeau is a learner after 8 years in office on how to conduct business abroad. He is indirectly making noises about foreign interference in Canadian affairs without divulging Canadian interference in other nations' affairs.