French President Emmanuel Macron said the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration has isolated Russia and it was not a diplomatic victory for the country.
Speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sunday, he said a majority of its member countries condemned Russian invasion of Ukraine.
He said the G20 is not necessarily a forum for political discussions where diplomatic progress can be expected on the war in Ukraine. "We are here to talk about economic topics and the climate (crisis). G20 should not get stuck on these issues," he said.
Macron declared that "the G20 is committed to just and lasting peace in Ukraine” and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "words of peace". He said despite current fragmented environment, India has done well as G20 president. "Faithful to its principles India did its utmost for the G-20 presidency to serve unity and peace and send across the message of unity while Russia is still waging its aggression on Ukraine," the French leader said.
Hoping to develop defence cooperation with India, Macron said additional contracts and procurements will follow in months to come.
Calling for reforms in global organisations, he said, “We support a deep reform of global governance. Security Council but as well the World Bank and the IMF, they have to reflect today's reality in terms of demography and economy as well. And then we want to increase the available tools. That's why we want to replenish the World Bank and France is supporting that so that the emerging countries have a greater role to play”, the French president said.
Following the G20 summit conclusion,Modi had lunch with Macron. "A very productive lunch meeting with President @EmmanuelMacron. We discussed a series of topics and look forward to ensuring India-France relations scale new heights of progress,” the PM tweeted. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also accompanied Modi.
Macron's remarks on Russia came days after he said Russia has no place at the 2024 Paris Olympics. When asked about participation of Russian athletes who are not sympathetic to the Putin's war in Ukraine, he said “there can’t be a Russian flag” at the Games.
In August, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal posted on Telegram that the country would boycott the Games if Russia and Belarus were allowed to compete.