New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the host of this year's G20 summit, has pledged not to let the Ukraine crisis overshadow the concerns of mostly developing nations in the "Global South." However, the war's impact on issues affecting these nations poses a challenge.

India will focus on addressing the fallout of the war, such as supply chain security, energy security, and food supply, rather than debating its geopolitical aspects. Still, even before the summit began, Russia and China blocked attempts at a final communique, raising doubts about a successful outcome.

The European Union expressed dissatisfaction with India's proposed compromise language and emphasized the importance of giving India space to facilitate an agreement. If leaders cannot break the deadlock, it could be the first time the G20 summit ends without a communique.

Despite not inviting Ukraine, Modi has emphasized that President Joe Biden's agenda includes addressing the economic and social impacts of the war. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also promised to advocate for Ukraine.

The G20 summit, initially established in 1999 to address global economic challenges, has become more politicized due to geopolitical tensions, making it difficult to reach meaningful agreements. Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region have added diplomatic friction among G20 countries.

While both Russia and China did not attend the G20, choosing instead to focus on the BRICS group of nations and expand its membership, India aims to bridge gaps between wealthy nations and the Global South during its presidency. About half of the G20 countries are considered part of the Global South, and Modi is seeking to add the African Union as a bloc member.

India has prepared by holding a virtual "Voice of the Global South" summit and targeting issues important to developing nations, including alternative fuels, resource efficiency, digital public infrastructure, and food security. The US supports adding the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and will focus on multilateral development bank reform, debt relief, and other priorities.

While the absence of China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin may complicate meaningful agreements, some see it as an opportunity for Modi to focus on India's G20 priorities. Despite the challenges, leaders hope the summit will demonstrate that major economies can work together, even in challenging times.