(Dan Tri) – Despite disagreements on a number of issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, G20 leaders finally issued a last-minute joint statement at a summit in India over the weekend.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: AFP).

After more than hundreds of hours of negotiations, on the evening of September 8, representatives of the world’s richest countries faced a choice: Accept softer language on Ukraine in the final G20 statement, or go without.

With this choice, instead of criticizing Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, the G20 calls for respect for the territorial integrity of countries and efforts to build peace.

According to an anonymous Indian official, this is the result of more than 200 hours of negotiations, 300 bilateral meetings and 15 different drafts.

The dispute over the Ukraine crisis is the most complicated part of the discussions, diplomats involved said.

In the days leading up to the summit, G20 representatives gradually agreed that the language of this year’s joint statement would not be the same as last year’s.

Only at midnight on September 8 did diplomats admit that a joint statement with moderate language was the only option, better than no joint statement at all.

In addition, behind the scenes, G20 representatives are also aware of the importance of this year’s G20 summit in enhancing the position of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ending the summit without a statement would be a huge disappointment.

Amitabh Kant, an Indian official, said there was `100% consensus among G20 representatives` on all 83 paragraphs in the joint statement.

Accordingly, the passages on the Russia-Ukraine conflict acknowledge G20 members’ `different views and assessments` of the conflict.

However, the statement emphasized the common position that: `All states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek control of territories that are contrary to their territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence.`

`We call on all countries to uphold the principles of international law including sovereignty and territorial integrity, international humanitarian law and the multilateral system to protect peace and stability,`

The statement added: `We welcome all relevant and constructive initiatives in support of comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The use or threat of use of weapons

In addition, the joint statement calls on Russia and Ukraine to restore the Black Sea Grain Initiative to maintain grain and fertilizer exports to ensure global food security.

Ukraine said that the joint statement was `nothing to be proud of`.