G20 Summit 2023 Delhi Highlights: PM Modi calls for virtual G20 session in November, hands over G20 presidency to Brazil

“We are delighted that the G20 has accepted the African Union as a member of the G20…” tweets President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa.

French President Emmanuel Macron will land in India shortly, as per latest media reports.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin reaches Delhi airport to attend the G20 Dinner in the national capital today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's placard at the G20 summit's opening on Saturday featured the term “Bharat,” sparking discussions about a potential name change for the South Asian nation. India is known by various names, including Bharat, Bharata, and Hindustan, which are pre-colonial titles and are interchangeably used by the public and in official contexts. Traditionally, the country has predominantly used “India” in English-language titles such as president or prime minister. However, earlier in the week, President Droupadi Murmu referred to herself as the “President of Bharat” in an invitation for a G20 leaders' reception, leading to controversy. During the G20 summit's inauguration in New Delhi, Modi was seated behind a table nameplate that displayed “Bharat.” Furthermore, the G20 logo featured both names, with “Bharat” written in Hindi and “India” in English. It's worth noting that similar placards have used “India” in the past.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweets, “15 years ago, #g20 leaders came together for the first time to restore global growth after the financial crisis. We meet at a time of enormous challenges – the world is looking to the G20 once again to provide leadership. Together I believe we can address these challenges.”

G20 delegates have reached a compromise on the language of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Saturday.

G20 delegates are still discussing whether there would be a joint leaders' statement or a communique at the end of their two-day summit being held in New Delhi, the source added.

Onboard Air Force One, a question emerged from among the accompanying journalists, about America’s ambitious infrastructure plan. The query centered on a potential groundbreaking project, one that could reshape regional connectivity, trade dynamics, and geopolitical relationships: a major rail deal involving the United States, India, and key Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan, was quizzed about this intriguing railway initiative during the G20 event in New Delhi. However, much to the anticipation of those eagerly awaiting confirmation, Sullivan remained tight-lipped. “I can’t confirm anything for you tonight. I’ve seen those reports as well,” he responded. While this response left many questions unanswered, it provided a glimpse into a project that could potentially be one of the most significant outcomes of the G20 summit or later multilateral talks between India, the US and Arab nations.

Read More Here: America’s Major Rail Deal with India and Arab Nations: Here’s what Jake Sullivan said

PM Modi's placard at G20 Summit says Bharat. The update comes amid the ongoing debate between Bharat vs India.

With the inclusion of the African Union into the G20 on Saturday, Sunil Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, hailed this momentous day as a “defining milestone.” He emphasized that it signifies a significant step toward fostering greater inclusivity within international organizations and their structures.

Mittal extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging his successful leadership in ensuring the African Union's permanent membership within the G20. “My hearty congratulations to PM Narendra Modi for successfully leading the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. As this announcement finds its way from New Delhi to the world, I am certain that this day will be remembered as a defining milestone towards charting more inclusive compositions across international organisations and their bodies,” Mittal said in a statement, reported PTI.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a specialized weather forecast for the Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the two-day G20 Summit. According to the forecast, the region can expect mostly cloudy skies with light to very light rain in the evening on Saturday. The maximum temperature is anticipated to reach around 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, with a minimum temperature of approximately 28.5 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 85-95% (maximum) and 50-60% (minimum), while surface winds are expected to be in the range of 3 to 5 kmph. The forecast for September 10, the summit's second day, suggests the possibility of light rain or drizzle in the early morning. Generally cloudy conditions are expected to persist throughout the day, with humidity levels similar to those of today. Maximum and minimum temperatures are also likely to mirror those of today.

AU with 55 countries is one of the biggest in comparison to the European Union and will in the next G20 Summit become the official member of the bloc. To put it simply, it’s like giving the AU a seat at the table where important global decisions are made.

Read More Here: It's official: G20 will now be G21!

India, US, and UAE are eyeing a mega infra project deal. The three countries are expected to announce the major joint infrastructure deal on Saturday that will connect Gulf and Arab countries via a network of railways.

Read More here: G20 Summit: India, US, Gulf states likely to sign mega infrastructure deal to connect Middle East

The G20 Summit has provided an invaluable platform for weavers to exhibit their exquisite handloom craftsmanship at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Among the captivating handloom artworks on display at the Convention Centre is the remarkable creation by Neelam Kaushik, a Junior Assistant at the Weavers' Service Centre in Delhi. Her artwork features intricate craftsmanship, particularly evident in her cushion covers crafted from Spun Silk yarns using the interlock technique, reports PTI. With 25 years of weaving experience under her belt, Neelam Kaushik has mastered the art of creating various items, including bedsheets, cushion covers, and woolen shawls.

As per a preliminary version of the summit declaration assessed by Reuters, negotiators found themselves unable to resolve differences in the language regarding the Ukraine conflict, leaving the matter for the leaders to potentially find a compromise. The 38-page draft document, which had been circulated among member states, remained void in the section addressing the “geopolitical situation,” even though consensus had been reached on the remaining 75 paragraphs. A White House official conveyed that President Biden intends to advocate for a higher level of climate action from major nations during the summit. Concerns have risen regarding the absence of a consensus on emissions reduction efforts.

It's important to note that the G20 nations collectively contribute to 80% of global emissions, making their positions of great significance as the world anticipates the upcoming COP 28 meeting in the United Arab Emirates.

On being invited at G 20 Summit to present his art & craft, Padma Shree awardee Dilshad Hussain told ANI, “We had set up a stall at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow…Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to our stall and he liked the items at our stall…He appreciated our art…After three days, we got a call saying that there was a black-coloured pot on your stall which the Prime Minister liked and would like to take to Germany as a gift…We were very happy…”

An invitation for a dinner event has been extended to G20 delegates and other distinguished guests by the “President of Bharat,” a development that has sparked a political controversy. Opposition parties have asserted that the government's use of “Bharat” instead of “India” in the invitation suggests an attempt to alter the country's name, further connecting this issue to their decision to name their alliance as “INDIA.” The ruling BJP has expressed support for using “Bharat,” emphasizing its deep cultural roots in ancient Hindi. Some leaders argue that the English name “India” carries colonial connotations. However, the BJP has largely refrained from engaging in the “Bharat vs. India” debate, as they acknowledge that both names are used for the country in the Constitution.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, left, talks with U.S. President Joe Biden during the first session of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi on Saturday. (Image: AP/PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other prominent leaders from the world's most affluent economies, commenced discussions on critical global challenges at the G20 Summit on Saturday. These discussions unfolded against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, which has significantly reshaped the global geopolitical landscape.

India, hosting this high-profile summit for the first time, aims to achieve tangible outcomes across various domains, including climate transition financing, the development of digital public infrastructure, expediting the implementation of sustainable development goals, establishing a framework for cryptocurrencies, and reforming international financial institutions. The majority of India's G20 presidency priorities have been oriented toward benefiting the Global South and developing nations. Indian negotiators involved in crafting the leaders' declaration express confidence that most of New Delhi's proposals will garner endorsement from the grouping's top leadership.

The African Union officially became a part of the G20 on Saturday, following unanimous approval from all member nations in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal to include this significant bloc from the global south in the prestigious assembly of the world's leading economies. Amidst resounding applause from world leaders gathered at the Summit, Modi made the announcement: “With the unanimous support of all, I extend an invitation to the African Union to join the G20.” Subsequently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar escorted the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, to assume his place at the G20 high table, marking this historic inclusion

PM Modi at the G 20 Summit says “Today, as the president of G 20, India calls upon the world together to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance. This is the time for all of us to move together. In this time, the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' can be the torch bearer for us. Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we will have to find a solid solution to this for future generations.”

PM Modi at the G 20 Summit says “Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced his speech at the G20 Summit.

US President Joe Biden has arrived at the G20 venue- Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen shaking hands with Biden and explaining the symbolism of the Konark Wheel to him.

Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang has arrived at the Bharat Mandapam. PM Modi shook the Premier's hand and posed for pictures.