Given the sharp divisions within the group over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a joint statement seemed almost impossible a few days ago.

All G20 member nations unanimously supported the declaration, without a single dissenting voice.

Even though Ukraine was not represented at the summit, key players, such as the US, the UK, Russia and China, praised it.

In other words, how did India manage to bring together nations with starkly divergent views on Ukraine? Some clues can be found in the declaration and in some geopolitical developments weeks before the summit.

At its annual summit in August, Brics – which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – decided to include six new members.

China has close ties with Argentina, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

It’s no secret that the West has been wary of China’s growing clout, particularly in the developing world, in recent years, despite the expansion not directly affecting the outcome of the G20 summit.