- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
G20 Summit 2025: In a dramatic and unprecedented move, G20 leaders meeting in South Africa adopted their 2025 Leaders’ Declaration, sending a pointed diplomatic message that the bloc would not yield to pressure from the United States. The declaration, finalised unanimously by participating nations despite Washington’s boycott, underscores a collective push for climate ambition, debt justice and stronger multilateralism.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the US objected to the draft text but insisted the document would not be reopened. “There’s been overwhelming consensus and agreement that we should adopt the declaration right at the beginning,” he said, highlighting the rare move to approve it before any formal deliberations. His spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, added that the early adoption reflected the “strong support” the text had secured throughout the year-long negotiations.
US Boycott And Rising Tensions With Host Nation
The US, led by President Donald Trump, refused to participate in the proceedings after weeks of tensions with Pretoria. The White House later accused South Africa of “weaponising its G20 presidency” and refusing to facilitate a smooth presidential transition, a charge officials in Johannesburg dismissed as politically motivated.
South African officials also revealed that President Trump had directly pressured them not to adopt a leaders’ declaration during his absence. “The past week has been quite intense,” Magwenya told reporters, noting that envoys drafted the final text without US involvement.
Climate Ambition, Debt Relief And Zero Tolerance On Terrorism
The declaration carries strong language on climate action, energy transition and debt restructuring for developing economies, areas the US has resisted in recent years. It embraces ambitious renewable-energy targets and acknowledges the severity of climate change, language widely seen as a direct rebuke to Washington.
On the security front, the bloc “unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” echoing India’s long-standing stance that there is no distinction between “good” and “bad” terrorists. It also reaffirms commitment to the UN Charter, calling on nations to avoid threats or use of force against the sovereignty of other states. The document calls for sustained efforts toward peace in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasising that global stability is essential for economic growth.
Global South Pushes Back Against Western Dominance
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola asserted that the summit’s decisions reflected the will of the participating nations. “This G20 is not about the US,” he said. “Those of us who are here have decided this is where the world must go.”
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, warned against “weaponisation of dependencies,” a veiled reference to China’s control over rare earth supply chains. Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for unity, urging the G20 to “return to the right track of cooperation”. Despite the US boycott, South Africa stood firm, refusing to hand over the presidency to a junior American envoy. Lamola later confirmed that a diplomat of matching rank would manage the protocol handover instead.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a three-day visit to Johannesburg, addressed the first session on inclusive and sustainable growth. He urged the global community to “revisit development parameters” and promote growth aligned with human dignity. “Now is the right moment to look at development through the lens of inclusivity and sustainability,” Modi said, invoking India’s civilisational philosophy of Integral Humanism. On the sidelines, he held meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
With inputs from agency.