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

The African Union will be made a permanent member of the G20 at the bloc's summit in New Delhi, according to a draft declaration reviewed by Reuters.

President of Brazil Luiz Inacio has also arrived at the Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi's Pragati Maidan.

As the leaders made their individual arrivals, Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed them against the backdrop of the magnificent Konark Wheel from Odisha.

The Konark Wheel, a marvel crafted during the 13th century under the rule of King Narasimhadeva-I, features 24 spokes and has found its place within India's national flag. This iconic symbol embodies India's profound ancient wisdom, advanced civilization, and architectural brilliance. The dynamic rotation of the Konark Wheel not only signifies the passage of time and Kalachakra but also represents progress and the perpetually evolving nature of society. It stands as a potent emblem of the democratic wheel, underscoring the resilience of democratic principles and a steadfast commitment to societal advancement.

British PM Rishi Sunak has arrived at the G20 venue- Bharat Mandapam. he was seen shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni has now arrived at the G20 venue – Bharat Mandapam.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived at the Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi's Pragati Maidan.

The eagerly awaited historic G20 Leader's Summit has commenced in the nation's capital city. Distinguished world leaders, who have converged in Delhi, are now assembled at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The inaugural session of the G20 Summit is scheduled to commence around 10:30 AM, focusing on this year's theme, 'One Earth.' This global gathering represents the culmination of numerous ministerial meetings, conferences, and engagements that have taken place throughout the year, all dedicated to addressing critical global issues.

Among the attendees at the G20 Summit dinner will be foreign delegates, parliamentarians, ministers from the current Cabinet, and several former senior leaders of the nation. Distinguished leaders like US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are set to grace the event in the capital.

DG World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom has also arrived at the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi's Pragati Maidan.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El–Sisi and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth arrive at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi's Pragati Maidan.

Managing Director of IMF (International Monetary Fund), Kristalina Georgieva, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, World Bank president Ajay Banga arrive at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi's Pragati Maidan.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina arrives at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi's Pragati Maidan.

As more and more world leaders were seen arriving at the venue, PM Modi was spotted welcoming each one with a 'Namaskar' and a hand-shake!

India's initiative to establish a Global Biofuels Alliance appears poised for approval at the G20 summit, with indications suggesting that the launch of this new coalition may occur on Saturday, aimed at expediting the global energy transition.

During the summit's first day at Bharat Mandapam, where the two-day event is being held, a group photo of G20 world leaders is expected to be taken, according to sources. The Global Biofuels Alliance, a proposal championed by the world's third-largest oil consumer during its G20 presidency, bears similarities to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a collaborative effort led by New Delhi and Paris in 2015 to make clean and affordable solar energy accessible to all. In a recent exclusive interview with PTI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed that India's proposition for a global biofuels alliance among G20 member nations would accelerate the adoption of sustainable biofuels in support of the worldwide energy transition. He emphasized that such alliances aim to provide developing countries with opportunities to advance their energy transitions.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has reached th National Capital. It is reported that he will have a state visit. After more than 200 events over 60 cities, G20 summit is ready to kick-off.

In the wake of the Asian financial crisis in 1999, the world's 20 leading nations established an economic coalition, recognizing the imperative for enhanced international economic cooperation to effectively address crises that transcended borders. This coalition represents a formidable force, encompassing 80% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and accounting for 75% of international trade. Its membership spans Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

Initially, the group's meetings primarily involved treasury officials, but following the 2008 financial crisis, the leaders of all member nations opted to convene annually for a summit, further solidifying their commitment to collective economic cooperation.

The stage is set for a historic moment as the African Union (AU) is poised to become a part of the G20. President Azali Assoumani of Comoros has already arrived in New Delhi to participate in the 18th G20 Summit, a gathering that is expected to be renamed as G21 when the African Union officially joins the bloc.

The AU comprises 55 nations, and its inclusion in the G20 would mark a significant milestone, making it the second-largest group of nations within the G20, following the European Union.

Read More Here: Charting a Historic Course: The African Union Joins the G20 at Delhi Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived at Bharat Mandapam, along with S Jaishankar. Stay with us as we bring to you live updates straight from the venue.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in New Delhi on Saturday morning to participate in the two-day G20 summit. Upon their arrival, all the leaders received a traditional welcome at the airport, and they were scheduled to convene at Bharat Mandapam, the designated summit venue, later in the day. Extending a warm welcome to the Brazilian president, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fondly recalled their recent meeting in Johannesburg. Modi expressed his delight at the opportunity to meet President Lula da Silva once again at the G20 Summit and expressed eagerness to hear his insights on various subjects. Furthermore, it's noteworthy that Brazil will assume the presidency of the G20 from India in the future.

G20's clean energy push is taking all the spotlight today. For those unaware, PM Modi will be launching the Global Biofuel Alliance reportedly at 5:00 pm today.

Pragati Maidan premises being fumigated on the eve of the G20 Summit, in New Delhi on Friday. (Image: PTI Photo)

Here are the scheduled times at which the bilateral meets will take place with the respective countries:

1:00 pm – Bilateral meet with UK

2:30 pm- Bilateral meet with Japan

5:00 pm- Bilateral meet with Italy

The area inside Ring Road has been designated as a 'Regulated Zone', as per media reports. Only authorised and emergency vehicles are allowed to take the Ring Road route towards New Delhi.

Prime Minister took to Twitter on Sep 8 and welcomed Brazilian President to the National capital. “Happy to welcome Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to India. I had met him recently in Johannesburg and I am happy to be getting the opportunity to meet him again at the G20 Summit. His views on various subjects will be eagerly awaited,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Early on Saturday morning, unexpected rainfall graced various regions of Delhi, offering a respite from the sweltering heat. Areas in South West Delhi, such as Vasant Kunj, Munirka, and Narela, experienced gentle showers, providing welcome relief.

According to the forecast from the Regional Meteorological Centre in Delhi, the national capital can anticipate light rain during the late morning on both Saturday and Sunday. The expected temperature range for today is a maximum of around 37 degrees Celsius and a minimum of approximately 27 degrees Celsius, as reported by the Regional Meteorological Centre. Despite the rainfall, the G20 operations are going on smoothly.

The G20 Summit 2023 will kick-off at 9:30 am today. PM Modi has back-to-back bilateral meetings throughout the day today.