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

Numerous global leaders, including US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, landed here on Friday for the G20 Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anticipation for productive discussions with them over the next two days. On Friday evening, Modi engaged in bilateral meetings with Biden, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Mauritian PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. During their meeting, Modi and Biden assessed the progress made on the decisions taken during the prime minister's state visit to Washington in June. The leaders were greeted with traditional dance performances by various troupes, and a joyful IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva joined in the dance to the rhythmic beats of the music at the airport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, solidified their collaboration on Friday by signing three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs). One of these MoUs, centered on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanisms, was inked between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Bangladesh Bank, as stated in an official release from the Ministry of External Affairs. Additionally, another MoU focuses on renewing the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) between India and Bangladesh for the period 2023-2025. The third MoU was established between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC). Furthermore, the release highlighted that both Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Hasina eagerly anticipated the commencement of negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

In an interesting piece of information, Bharat Mandapam has been kept plastic-free as part of the eco-friendly initiative.

On Friday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan conveyed his warm greetings to the international delegates who have arrived in India to participate in the G20 Summit, emphasizing that it marks an incredibly proud moment for the country. “It is an extremely proud moment for India. Today India, under the leadership of PM Modi, is presiding over the G20. On this occasion, I welcome all the Country heads and the guests with my heart…” Chouhan said, reported ANI.

In preparation for the 18th G20 Summit hosted by India, an ambient advertising campaign titled '50 years of friendship and trust, leading to the bright future of Korea and India' has captured significant attention. This year's G20 summit, held under India's presidency in New Delhi, will also witness the participation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. To mark President Yoon Suk Yeol's attendance at the India G20 Summit, scheduled to commence on September 9, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and India, the Office of the Overseas Public Relations Secretary orchestrated an ambient advertising campaign under the theme “50 Years of friendship and trust, leading to the bright future of Korea and India,” as per a statement released by the Korean Embassy. This promotional campaign, underscoring the enduring friendship and trust between the two nations, was prominently displayed at two locations in New Delhi during the presidential visit last Wednesday.

As part of the two-day leaders' summit, a special feature at the 'G20 Craft Market' in Delhi's Pragati Maidan spotlights the craftsmanship of Uttarakhand. This exhibition, organized by the Industries Department of Uttarakhand, showcases a rich array of handloom and handicraft products from the state. MS Sajwan, Deputy Director of the department, told PTI that the stall is a vibrant display of Uttarakhand's heritage, featuring Almora tweed woollen scarves, Dunda shawls, Pithoragarh woollen carpets, intricate wooden replicas of sacred places like Kedarnath, Nainital aipan art, Udhamsinghnagar's Moonj grass products, Bageshwar's exquisite copper items, and natural fiber jackets.

Simultaneously, an art exhibition titled 'Roots and Routes' is taking place at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi. This exhibition, designed for the spouses of the summit delegates, showcases Indian textiles, decorative items, and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India.

As Delhi prepares for the upcoming two-day leaders' summit, G20 Special Secretary Muktesh Pardeshi emphasized on Friday that one of the key benefits of hosting this grand event is India's ability to demonstrate its readiness to handle diverse gatherings. He highlighted the extensive preparations underway, involving a dedicated support staff responsible for reviewing security and logistical arrangements, as well as the participation of skilled craftspeople. Managing such a multifaceted endeavor represents a monumental organizational effort that has been in progress for several months.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with Finance Ministers of G20 nations and heads of International Organisations during a dinner ahead of the G20 Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 8, 2023. (Image: PTI Photo)

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth conveyed his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. The Ministry of External Affairs issued an official release, highlighting their discussion and shared aspirations for increased cooperation in the space sector. During this meeting, Jugnauth expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for the special invitation extended to Mauritius to participate in the G20 format as a 'Guest Country'. PM Modi also appreciated Mauritius' active engagement in the G20 Working Groups and Ministerial Meetings under India's G20 Presidency.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hosted a dinner on Friday for the Finance Ministers of G20 nations and the heads of international organizations. Notably, among the distinguished guests present were Kristalina Georgieva, the Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Chief of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

(All Image Credit: Huma Siddiqui/FE.com)

On Friday, US President Joe Biden also held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they engaged in discussions covering a wide range of topics, including defense cooperation and technology sharing. President Biden also extended his congratulations to India for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. This significant meeting took place at the Prime Minister's residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi, just ahead of the G20 Summit scheduled for the weekend. Not many are aware, but it is reported that during their discussions, India and the US successfully resolved the seventh and final outstanding dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed United States President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to India on Friday, reaffirming the enduring and close partnership between the two nations. Both leaders expressed their appreciation for the substantial progress made in implementing the groundbreaking initiatives from Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to Washington in June 2023, as stated in the joint India-US statement.

Here's the tentative G20 Summit 2023 schedule for today (Sep 9th):

0920-1020 hrs : Arrivals at Bharat Mandapam

1030-1330 hrs : Session 1 – One Earth

1330-1500 hrs : Window for meetings

1500-1645 hrs : Session 2 – One Family

1645-1730 hrs: Window for meetings

1900 – 2115: Dinner hosted by President

Hello and welcome to our live blog ladies and gentlemen! Here we are going to give you all the live and latest updates straight from Bharat Mandapam where global talks are going to kick-off from today. Stay with us!