Jaishankar states that India and China made significant efforts to safeguard the G-20

India and China Collaborated to Ensure G20 Summit Success, Reveals Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar disclosed on Thursday that India and China undertook quiet but substantial diplomatic efforts to maintain harmony during last month's G20 Summit in New Delhi. The revelation comes despite persistent military tensions between the two Asian neighbors along their disputed Himalayan border.  

Speaking at a policy discussion forum, Jaishankar emphasized how both nations set aside bilateral differences to prioritize the global forum's success. "There were obvious challenges given the current state of our relationship," the minister acknowledged, "but through careful, behind-the-scenes engagement, we ensured the G20 remained focused on its core multilateral agenda." Diplomatic sources reveal that officials from both countries held multiple discreet meetings in the lead-up to the summit to prevent geopolitical tensions from derailing proceedings.  

The most notable achievement was securing unanimous approval for the G20 Leaders' Declaration, which notably avoided direct condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine—a formulation that accommodated both Chinese and Indian positions. Jaishankar framed this as evidence of mature statecraft, stating, "It demonstrates that major powers can disagree on some issues while cooperating on matters of global importance like economic stability and sustainable development."  

The minister's comments highlight India's nuanced diplomatic approach of compartmentalizing disputes while pursuing broader international cooperation. "Foreign policy cannot operate on a binary framework," Jaishankar explained. "We maintain an uncompromising position on matters of territorial integrity while recognizing the value of engagement on global platforms."  

Strategic analysts have praised this balancing act, with some noting that India's leadership prevented the summit from becoming collateral damage in the India-China rivalry. However, the disclosure has sparked debate among foreign policy observers, with some questioning whether such cooperation might inadvertently soften India's stance on Chinese border aggression. Jaishankar firmly rejected this interpretation, asserting that "constructive engagement at multilateral forums in no way diminishes our resolve to protect our sovereignty."  

As India continues to play an increasingly prominent role in global governance, Jaishankar's remarks offer a rare glimpse into the complex diplomatic choreography required to navigate today's fractured geopolitical landscape. The episode underscores how major powers, despite profound differences, can find ways to collaborate on pressing international issues when the stakes are high enough.