- Delhi is going to host one of the biggest events in the world, the G20 Summit, from September 9-10.
- Heads of state and dignitaries from 20 leading economies of the world start arriving in the national capital a day earlier.
- Biden, Xi, Erdogan among 25+ world leaders to be present at Delhi high table.
- Notably, Japanese, Australian, Italian, and German leaders had earlier visited the Indian capital this year, marking their unique rendezvous with Delhi.
- For UK’s Rishi Sunak, the first Indian-origin prime minister, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, this marks their inaugural Delhi visit since assuming office last year.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Delhi visit comes post-BRICS summit, spotlighting BRICS’ expanded role.
- In total, the Delhi summit will witness the presence of 27 heads of state/government, complemented by three representatives at the ministerial/personal representative echelon.
Delhi is going to host one of the biggest events in the world, the G20 Summit, from September 9-10. Heads of state and dignitaries from 20 leading economies of the world start arriving in the national capital a day earlier, encouraging authorities to impose traffic restrictions. The Delhi Traffic Police has released a detailed advisory for the people so that they don’t face any inconvenience during the summit period. The New Delhi area, where the summit will be held, will be out of bounds from the night of September 7.
This marks India’s inaugural hosting of the summit since the grouping-initiated summit-level meetings in response to the 2008 financial crisis. A formidable gathering of 18 countries, who are members of the grouping, will be represented at the leaders’ level.
Notably, Mexico’s presence has been consistent at this level, with its foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard representing the nation at the Bali G20 summit in 2022, the Italy G20 summit in 2021, and the Osaka G20 summit in 2019.
Chinese President Xi’s arrival in Delhi for the summit follows an informal conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi, amid the tense situation at the Line of Actual Control. Xi’s last India visit was the 2019 informal summit in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. President Biden’s visit to India, from September 7 to 10, includes G20 participation. The White House, while announcing the visit, hailed PM Modi’s G20 leadership and reaffirmed the US commitment to the premier economic cooperation forum.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s G20 presence aligns with a September 11 state visit. Notably, Indonesian President Widodo arrives just after ASEAN summit talks in which PM Modi will be participating in person from 6-7 September, underlining India’s diplomatic engagement.
Notably, Japanese, Australian, Italian, and German leaders had earlier visited the Indian capital this year, marking their unique rendezvous with Delhi.
For UK’s Rishi Sunak, the first Indian-origin prime minister, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, this marks their inaugural Delhi visit since assuming office last year.
Additionally, India’s outreach extends to include leaders from nine nations who have been invited.
These are Bangladesh’s PM Sheikh Hasina, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and Mauritius’ PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth are among the invited guests, joined by Netherlands’ PM Mark Rutte, Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Singapore’s PM Lee Hsien Loong, Spain’s President Pedro Sanchez, UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, and Oman’s Deputy PM Sayyid Asad Bin Tariq Al Said who is also the personal representative for the Sultan. The Indonesian President represents ASEAN as its chair, while Egypt’s President shoulders representation for the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD.
With India’s advocacy for the African Union’s integration into the G20 consortium, Azali Assoumani, Chairperson of the African Union who is also the President of Comoros, will take part in the summit.
In total, the Delhi summit will witness the presence of 27 heads of state/government, complemented by three representatives at the ministerial/personal representative echelon.
Leaders of pivotal multilateral organizations will also grace the occasion, including WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, World Bank President Ajay Banga, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Hubert Paul Cormann, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, ILO Director-General Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo, ISA Director General Ajay Mathur, CDRI Director General Amit Prothi, ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa, and Chair of the Financial Stability Board, Klaas Knot.
Altogether, this illustrious assemblage will comprise 41 influential figures, including world leaders and heads of top-tier institutions, convened under the leadership of Indian PM Modi in his capacity as the G20 grouping’s chair.
(With inputs from agencies)
