G-20 Summit China: China now objected to the word ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, gave this strange argument

China has objected to the inclusion of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) as the theme of India’s G20 chairmanship. The publication states that China opposed the phrase and its use in the outcome document during last month’s G20 energy ministerial meeting as well as several other similar G20 documents, primarily because Sanskrit is one of the six UN-recognized languages. It was not one of the official languages. Similarly, the term is used in other G20 documents as well. China argued that G-20 documents cannot officially use the term ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. He says that it is a Sanskrit language word and this language was recognized by the United Nations (UN). Not included in the six official languages. However, there was no response from the Ministry of External Affairs on this at present.

While China argued against its use, most participating countries sided with India as deciding the theme of G20 events is the prerogative of the presidency and the host nation. The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to comment officially on the issue, but government insiders have confirmed to ET that the Chinese side has conveyed its objection to the issue.

India’s theme for G20

After India assumed the G20 chairmanship in December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the theme, which appears to be in line with the largely inclusive approach adopted by him on global fora. India’s G20 Presidency will work to promote this universal spirit of unity. Hence our theme – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’. PM Modi had said at the time that this phrase originated from the Maha Upanishad affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant and micro-organism.