Relevance: GS2 – International Relations; Global Governance (Summits) | Source: The Hindu, G20 Summit press release

Leaders from the G20 countries concluded the Johannesburg Summit 2025, where the final Leaders’ Declaration emphasised renewable energy transition, global food security and debt relief but provided only vague references to major conflicts (e.g., Ukraine, Gaza) and terrorism, exposing consensus limits.

Background & About G20

• The G20 (Group of Twenty) is a premier international forum comprising 19 countries + the European Union, representing ~80% of global GDP, ~75% of world trade, and ~two-thirds of world population.
  
• India participated as a member, collaborating on key agenda items like sustainable development, health and digital economy.
  
• The Johannesburg Summit followed South Africa’s presidency, focusing on “Transforming our World through People-Centred Growth”.
  

The Summit & Its Outcomes

• Major agreements:
  
  • A commitment to low-emission energy transition, expansion of floating solar and other renewables.
    
  • A ‘Food Security Compact’ designed to maintain supply chains and ease export restrictions.
    
  • Decision to establish a Debt Resilience Fund to support low-income countries.
    
• Gaps noted: Soft wording on conflicts, limited binding measures on terrorism & sanction regimes.
  

Major Issues & Way Ahead

• The G20 Johannesburg 2025 summit was boycotted by the United States.
• Geopolitical Fragmentation: Disparate positions on Ukraine, Gaza and China–Taiwan show summit’s limited conflict-resolution capacity.
  
• Action vs Declaration: Need for implementation frameworks and accountability mechanisms, not mere pledges.
  
• India’s Role:
  
  • Use Johannesburg momentum to align with national goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat, clean energy push and Gati-Shakti.
    
  • Leverage G20 outcomes for green technology exports and stronger South-South cooperation.
    

Q. With reference to the G20 Johannesburg Summit 2025, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The summit concluded with a legally binding treaty on global food security.
   
2. The summit included a content-specific resolution on the Ukraine conflict.
   
3. A new Debt Resilience Fund was announced to assist low-income countries.
   

(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)