G20: G20 Summit Concludes Amid US Opposition and Controversy, India Shows Dominance

Johannesburg. The first-ever G20 summit held in South Africa concluded on Sunday amid controversy. Due to the US boycott, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa did not hand over the gavel (the hammer symbolizing the presidency) to any US official at the closing ceremony. However, India’s dominance was clearly visible, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence, his meetings with the leaders of the group’s member countries, to the summit agenda. India emerged as a prominent voice of the global South.

US President Donald Trump boycotted the summit, accusing South Africa of racism. He did not attend the summit and even attempted to prevent the declaration from being issued by blocking several key issues, such as climate finance. But South Africa made it clear that it would not be influenced by America’s absence by unanimously passing a declaration at the beginning of the summit. This summit was also historic in that for the first time, the gavel, symbolizing the presidency, was not handed over to anyone. Even before the summit concluded, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola made it clear that there would be no formal handover ceremony. If the US wishes, it can later collect G-20 documents from the Foreign Ministry.

The gavel is handed over to the next host.
In fact, at every G-20 summit, the hosting country formally hands over the gavel to the next host country. During this ceremony, the leaders of both countries are present face to face. While President Trump boycotted the summit, he later agreed to send an ambassador. The US has expressed displeasure over the gavel not being handed over to its official. The South African Foreign Ministry stated that this issue is not a diplomatic dispute but a matter of respect. This could not have been entrusted to a junior official.

A Changing Face of the Global Order Revealed
Beyond the US obstruction, the conference proved not only symbolically significant due to the approach adopted on many aspects but also reflected the changing face of the global order. Cyril Ramaphosa, demonstrating solidarity, conveyed that the US absence cannot hinder the direction and purpose of the G-20. This demonstrates that the G-10 is now progressing as a multipolar, inclusive, and responsible forum, and that developing nations are now in a position to set the global agenda. India’s initiative to strongly support the development of the Global South during its presidency also became more prominent at this conference.

Demand for Increased Representation in Multilateral Development Banks
G-20 countries emphasized the need to increase the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making at multilateral development banks such as the World Bank and IMF, and other international economic and financial institutions. The conference highlighted the crucial role multilateral development banks play in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth.

Development-critical issues discussed, from climate action to debt relief
At the two-day G20 summit in Johannesburg, member countries delved deeply into issues crucial to the development of the Global South. Climate action was highlighted as a pressing need of the hour. Debt relief measures were also discussed.
Global South countries sought to present themselves as economic partners with significant contributions in mining, technology, and AI.
Member countries commended South Africa’s leadership for advancing an inclusive development agenda aligned with the priorities of poor countries to address the deep global inequality gap.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said debt relief should translate into investments that benefit people. This requires appropriate international financial institutions.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness stressed the need to mitigate the risk of natural disasters, as such a shock could undo years of progress made by global organizations.

G-20 leaders pledged to work together to address tax challenges related to a global minimum tax and the digitization of the economy.

During the closing ceremony of the G-20 summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa placed the gavel on a table instead of handing it to an American official in protest of American actions.