G20 Sherpas to Focus on Developmental Issues at World Heritage Site in Karnataka

Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, highlighted the country’s priorities at the third meeting of G20 sherpas held at the world heritage site of Hampi in Karnataka. The sherpas’ meeting in Hampi will be followed by a retreat in Goa on 3-5 July, where the G20 members are expected to sign the declaration. 

He emphasized on accelerating economic growth, digital transformation, and reforming multilateral financial institutions. Meanwhile, contentious issues such as the Ukraine crisis will be set aside for later. This is the second-to-last meeting of the sherpas before India hosts the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September.

Kant clarified that India’s focus was on developmental issues, inclusive and sustainable growth, climate transition, progress, and pushing the adoption of digital public infrastructure (DPI) around the world.

He also noted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict was not a priority for India and that the G20 would discuss it only when it came to an agreement on the text to be referred to. The G20 Summit will focus on several themes such as financing climate transition, sustainable development goals (SDGs), gender equality, and technological transformation.

India is also hoping to bring consensus on its proposal to include the 54-nation African Union as a new member of the G20. Furthermore, the sherpas will discuss law enforcement principles, a framework for crypto assets, tax rules, Covid-19 pandemic, and cost of living crisis. Additionally, India has proposed a Green Development Pact for sustainable and just transitions globally.

Kant concluded by stating that the reform of multilateral financial institutions was essential to ensure the flow of funds into emerging markets. He also mentioned that DPI includes internet connectivity, digital identity, and digital payments, which form layers of public infrastructure on which the private sector can innovate.

The G20 members will sign the declaration at a retreat in Goa on 3-5 July. With India’s focus on economic growth, digital transformation, and sustainable development goals, the G20 Summit is expected to be a major success.