New Delhi: On Saturday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor applauded India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, for his adept negotiations with China and Russia, resulting in a joint communique from G20 leaders regarding their stance on the Ukraine conflict. Taking to his official social media account, Tharoor, a Member of Parliament from Kerala, expressed pride in India’s accomplishments at the G20 summit.
In his message, Tharoor praised Kant, saying,”Well done Amitabh Kant! Looks lile (sic) the IFS lost an ace diplomat when you opted for the IAS,” Mr Tharoor said.
Earlier on the same day, Amitabh Kant, a senior IAS officer from the Kerala Cadre’s 1980 batch, revealed that nearly 200 hours of relentless negotiations were required to achieve a unified statement from G20 leaders, who were divided on their positions regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Kant noted that this declaration resulted from numerous rounds of discussions, including talks with emerging economies on the economic implications of the conflict and bilateral meetings with Russia and China. The consensus was ultimately reached late on Friday night.
Kant, a former head of Niti Aayog, emphasized the importance of collaboration with other sherpas and credited the joint efforts of emerging markets, spearheaded by India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and later joined by Mexico, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. This collective effort brought significant pressure on G7 nations and compelled them to engage in discussions.
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