China objects to 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam' mention in G20 papers

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

G20 Energy Ministers' Outcome document and Chair's Summary on Energy Transitions' issued last month besides in several other similar G20 documents. ET gathers that China argued that the G20 documents could not use the term 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' in the official text as it is in Sanskrit, which is not one of the six official languages recognised by the United Nations. It is learnt that most participant nations weighed in favour of India on the matter with some even observing that the theme was the prerogative of the Presidency and host nation.

However, it is gathered that the Chinese did not agree to the inclusion of the Sanskrit adage. Sources in the G20 Secretariat confirmed the Chinese are 'opposed to welcoming or endorsing this as a concept'. However, its mentions 'in context' is not objected to by them, sources indicated.

The Ministry of External Affairs did not respond to ET queries until press time. The final G20 document — Outcome Document and Chair's Summary for Energy transition — finally only carried the English translation of the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'. It reads- 'We, the G20 Energy Ministers, met under India's G20 Presidency, with the theme 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' in Goa, India, on 22 July 2023.' The Sanskrit phrase though is retained in the logo/letterhead of each document.