India today expressed optimism that the largest G20 economies will conclude their summit in New Delhi with a final “Leaders’ Declaration”, Sky News reported.

Narendra ModiPhoto: Sotiris Dimitropoulos / Eurokinissi / imago stock&people / Profimedia

They showed that it remains a difficult task to develop a formulation regarding the war in Ukraine.

Negotiators wrestled with the issue for several days to reach a consensus that would involve Russia and China and address global issues such as debt and climate change.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will skip the G20 and send Premier Li Qiang instead, and Vladimir Putin will also be absent.

Amitabh Kant, India’s representative at the G20 talks, said the statement would serve as a representative voice for the global south and developing countries.

“The statement of the leaders in New Delhi is almost ready, I would not like to dwell on it,” Kant said at a press conference. “This statement will be recommended to managers.”

Four Indian government sources said the war speech was the only sticking point and a second meeting to seek consensus could take time.