The Chancellor will spend the weekend in Delhi; his visit to the G-20 summit was one of the most important trips of the year. Olaf Scholz flew to India in February to prepare for the meeting. Because in the G-20 format, the participants discussed several matters that were important for the Federal Republic in general and for the Chancellor in particular. The three issues most relevant to the federal government are as follows:

First: Facing Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The Federal Government wants to maintain diplomatic pressure on Moscow and achieve the clearest possible condemnation of Russian aggression. At the G-20 summit in Bali last fall, a statement was made that “the vast majority of members” condemned the war in Ukraine “in the strongest terms.” This is both strong and weak, because although the criticism is very clear, not all countries are willing to join in this criticism. “There are different perspectives and different assessments regarding the situation and sanctions,” he said in a recent statement.

In German government circles it is said that the aim is to clearly condemn the Russian attack on the upcoming summit in Delhi. However, this cannot be left alone because it is predicted that there will be resistance from several countries, especially from southern countries. From Berlin’s point of view, it would be a success if the G-20 countries committed to the principle of territorial integrity, which states that no country should invade another country’s territory. In general, India’s G-20 presidency is interested in a final declaration that all participating countries, including China and Russia, can support. This alone should result in a weaker formulation compared to Bali.

Southern countries must be involved as equals

Second: The Chancellor also wants to use the meeting in India to advance global climate protection and wants participating countries to make ambitious commitments to reduce climate-damaging emissions. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that previous UN climate targets are not weakened. He also hopes that the world community will commit to expanding renewable energy. The role model is the small group of G-7 countries, which have set common goals in expanding renewable energy. If the G-20 countries set such a goal, from the German point of view, this would be a success.

Third: Cooperation with southern countries is also important for the Chancellor. This has been a recurring theme in his journey since taking office: Scholz not only wants to maintain relations with the United States and other EU countries, but also with several developing countries, including Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa. The Chancellor has visited a number of these countries and wants to leave a respectful impression. He has repeatedly emphasized that he seeks a partnership on an equal footing. Some Southern states are represented in the G-20 group, but the South as a whole is underrepresented. Therefore, Scholz wants the African Union to be included in the group as the continent’s representative.