Today marked the inauguration of the two-day summit with Prime Minister Modi Ji. He called on the G20 members to address the “global trust deficit” and made a significant announcement that the African Union would be granted permanent membership to enhance representation. Modi emphasised the need for global unity and trust, stating, “It is time for all of us to move together.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to world leaders gathered at Bharat Mandapam, where the G20 Summit is set for September 9 and 10, 2023.
Among the early arrivals were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Managing Director and Chairman of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also made her way to the newly constructed venue located at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
A replica of the Konark Wheel, inspired by the Sun Temple in Odisha’s Puri, served as the backdrop for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welcoming handshake with G20 leaders upon their arrival at the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, on Saturday.
The Konark Wheel, originally constructed during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I, is adorned with 24 spokes, which have also been integrated into the Indian Tricolour. It stands as a symbol of India’s ancient wisdom, advanced civilization, and architectural prowess.
The rotating motion of the wheel holds profound significance, representing the concept of time, ‘Kaalchakra,’ as well as progress and the ever-continuous process of change.
Notably, New Delhi has been adorned with murals, statues, fountains, and plants on its streets, with a prominent addition being a colossal statue of Nataraja placed in front of the Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the G20 Summit situated at Pragati Maidan.
During the opening of the G20 summit on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s placard referred to India as “Bharat. This has sparked speculation about a potential name change for the South Asian nation. It’s worth noting that India is also commonly referred to as Bharat, Bharata, and Hindustan, reflecting its pre-colonial names, and these terms are used interchangeably by both the public and in official contexts.
As the first session of the summit commenced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to the Head of the African Union to assume a permanent seat as the first member of the G20.
As for the issues under discussion at the summit, they commenced amid notable divisions within the group. These divisions include concerns related to the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s aspirations in the Indo-Pacific and the South China Sea. During the previous summit in Indonesia in 2022, the G20 exhibited significant disparities over the Ukraine conflict. While most nations condemned Russia for its invasion, there were differing perspectives within the group, which is expected to remain a topic of discussion during the current summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart from Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs)
- During a bilateral talk in New Delhi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterpart from Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs). One of these agreements pertains to cooperation in digital payment mechanisms and was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh Bank, as per an official release by the Ministry of External Affairs.
- Another MoU focuses on renewing the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) between India and Bangladesh for the years 2023-2025. The third MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC).
The first spouses of the G20 will visit India’s agricultural successes at the Pusa Institute
The Union agriculture ministry has organized a noteworthy two-day special visit to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Pusa, New Delhi, specifically for the spouses of G20 leaders from September 9th to 10th. This visit serves as a platform to showcase India’s remarkable progress in agricultural research and technology.
During their visit, participants will have the opportunity to explore millet fields and engage with an exhibition centered on the thriving agri-tech startup ecosystem. These startups offer innovative technological solutions aimed at addressing real-world agricultural challenges. Additionally, the event will feature a culinary segment highlighting millet-based dishes from each of the G20 member nations.
Furthermore, members of farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) representing diverse tribal communities across India will showcase food products prepared using millets. These products have been successfully marketed across the country.
The government intends to underscore its achievements in research and development (R&D) by facilitating presentations from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These presentations will cover the latest advancements in precision farming, agricultural technology, and mechanization that are propelling the agricultural sector forward.
A notable aspect of the exhibition will be interactions with women leaders actively involved in the millet value chain. These women come from various regions of India and are engaged in various roles, from farming to processing and entrepreneurship.
A government statement highlighted that these women farmers represent 10 states that lead in millet production: Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Assam. These states have implemented comprehensive plans to promote millet cultivation, processing, marketing, and consumption.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden resumed their discussions
U.S. President Joe Biden arrived in New Delhi on the same day as the G20 Summit, and he received a warm welcome from Gen (Retd) VK Singh, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden resumed their discussions in preparation for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, building on their previous meeting in June. The White House released a joint statement that highlighted their commitment to further enhancing the India-US Strategic Partnership across various global dimensions, underpinned by trust and mutual understanding.
Key points from their meeting include:
- Defence Cooperation: Defence ties received a boost following Modi’s June visit to the US, with agreements for General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to manufacture GE F-414 jet engines in India. The deal received approval from the US Congress, promising significant technology transfer. Additionally, discussions revolved around India’s intent to acquire MQ-9B Predator drones from General Atomics. Both leaders welcomed India’s role as a repair and maintenance hub for US Navy vessels and efforts to engage private players in the defence industry.
- Semiconductors: Both nations expressed support for building resilient global semiconductor supply chains. They acknowledged investments by companies like Microchip Technology, Inc., and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, which were announced during Modi’s June visit.
- Scientific Collaboration: Scientific cooperation in various fields, including space exploration, quantum technology, and biotechnology, was emphasized. Biden congratulated India on the success of the Chandrayaan 3 mission. Cooperation in advanced technologies and 6G was also discussed.
- Trade Disputes at the WTO: India and the US agreed to resolve seven disputes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), with six disputes being mutually resolved after Modi’s visit. These disputes included issues related to solar cells, renewable energy, steel, aluminium products, and poultry products.
- UN Security Council Seat: Biden reiterated US support for India’s aspiration for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a long-standing demand by India. He also expressed support for India’s candidature for another term as a non-permanent member of the UNSC in 2028–29.
- Democracy and Human Rights: The leaders discussed democracy and human rights, emphasizing shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, inclusion, pluralism, and equal opportunities for all citizens, which strengthened the India-U.S. relationship.
- An agreement to investigate the feasibility of a substantial railway and port initiative linking the Middle East with India and Europe is scheduled to be signed during the G20 Summit, according to US officials.
- Jon Finer, the US Deputy National Security Advisor, announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be formalized to “explore shipping and rail transportation capabilities that would facilitate the movement of trade, energy, and data from India through the Middle East to Europe.”
They touched upon the forthcoming G20 Summit, where discussions will encompass reforms in multilateral development banks, increased climate financing, and debt relief for developing nations.
This meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both India and the United States to deepen their partnership across various sectors and address global challenges collaboratively.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murthy, arrived in New Delhi for the G20 Summit
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murthy, arrived in New Delhi for the G20 Summit. Upon landing in the Indian capital, Rishi Sunak took to Twitter, expressing his intention to engage with world leaders to address global challenges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to him in response to his tweet. This exchange reflects the spirit of international cooperation and dialogue at the G20 Summit, where leaders from various nations gather to discuss and find solutions to pressing global issues.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed several key topics during his visit to India for the G20 Summit, highlighting the following points:
- UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Sunak emphasised the importance of the UK-India FTA, expressing both countries’ commitment to achieving a mutually beneficial deal. He highlighted the desire to deepen and broaden the bilateral relationship, not only through trade but also by strengthening security ties and promoting collaboration between researchers, scientists, and universities.
- Russia-Ukraine War: Sunak refrained from commenting on India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war, respecting India’s sovereignty in making international decisions. He emphasized that both countries share universal values, including the international rule of law, respect for the UN Charter, and territorial integrity.
- Khalistani Extremism: Sunak strongly condemned all forms of extremism and violence, particularly Pro-Khalistan Extremism (PKE). He stated that the UK is actively collaborating with the Indian government to combat PKE through intelligence sharing and cooperation. Sunak stressed that extremism of any kind is not acceptable in the UK.
- Personal Connection to India: Sunak shared his personal connection to India, expressing his love for the country where his family originates. He acknowledged the significance of his Hindu identity and expressed the hope of visiting a mandir during his stay in India. Sunak emphasized the role of faith in providing resilience and strength, particularly in demanding roles like his.
- G20 Theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’: Sunak appreciated India’s G20 theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ meaning ‘the world is one family.’ He highlighted the unique bond between the UK and India, with almost two million people of Indian origin residing in the UK. Sunak expressed his pride in representing the UK in India, a country that holds a special place in his heart.
Overall, Rishi Sunak’s visit to India for the G20 Summit underscored the importance of the UK-India relationship, cooperation on various fronts, and his personal connection to the country.
“We look forward to working together in the space sector,’ said Mauritius’ Prime Minister
Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi, extended congratulations on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He expressed anticipation for continued cooperation between the two nations in the space sector. Additionally, Prime Minister Jugnauth conveyed gratitude for the special invitation to Mauritius to participate in the G20 format as a guest country.’
Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MBS, arrived in India
Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MBS, arrived in India on Saturday to attend the G20 Summit. The summit is set to address a range of global issues, including Ukraine and climate change.
Upon his arrival on New Delhi’s tarmac, the Crown Prince was welcomed by a group of women performing traditional folk dances.
During his visit, he is expected to sign an infrastructure agreement with the United States and other G20 member nations. This agreement aims to explore the development of a rail and shipping network connecting the Middle East, India, and Europe.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida. During the meeting, Modi expressed the joint enthusiasm of India and Japan to strengthen collaboration in various areas, including connectivity and commerce.
Several notable leaders have opted out of attending the G20 Summit:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be present, and Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend, and China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang.
- India’s Minister for External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, noted that their absence, while not unusual, will not hinder negotiations aimed at reaching a consensus communiqué.