G20 Summit 2023 Highlights: Happy to have welcomed US President Joe Biden, says PM Modi

US President Joe Biden is en route to India to participate in the G20 Summit. His journey commenced at Andrew's Air Base aboard Air Force 1, with a planned stopover in Ramstein, Germany, on Friday, before his arrival in Delhi around 7 pm on the same day.

Biden's aim is to capitalize on the absence of China and Russia's leaders in order to strengthen US influence within the divided bloc. He intends to demonstrate that, on significant global matters, Washington is a more reliable partner than Beijing or Moscow and that the G20 continues to serve as a vital forum.

Here is a list of foreign delegates who have arrived in Delhi for the G20 Summit:

– Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, PM of Mauritius

– Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General

– Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission

– Charles Michel, President of the European Council

– Mathias Cormann, Secretary General OECD

– Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Director

– Raquel Buenrostro Sánchez, Minister of Economy, Mexico

– Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), arrived at New Delhi airport on Thursday night to participate in the G20 Summit.

India has been a WTO member since 1995 and a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) since 1948.

Significantly, in August of this year, India and the United States successfully resolved two separate disputes at the WTO related to specific measures on steel and aluminum products, as well as additional duties on certain US products.

Previously, India and the US jointly resolved all six trade disputes that were pending at the WTO.

As world leaders converge on the national capital for the upcoming G20 Summit, strict traffic regulations have been implemented since early Friday:

US President Joe Biden will have a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on tomorrow (September 8) on the sidelines of G20 Summit. “On Thursday (September 7), the President will travel to New Delhi, India to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit. On Friday, the President will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the statement by the White House read.

“While in New Delhi, the President will also commend Prime Minister Modi's leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the US commitment to the G20 as the premier forum of economic cooperation, including by hosting it in 2026,” the statement said.

China has announced its endorsement of the African Union's participation in the G20, marking itself as the “first nation to openly endorse” the inclusion of the African bloc in the group. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India also voiced his support for the African Union's full membership in the G20, emphasizing the necessity of representing and acknowledging all perspectives in shaping the future of the planet.

French President Emmanuel Macron is likely to meet PM Modi, after the conclusion of the G20 summit, over lunch on Sunday, officials said. Macron is scheduled to arrive here on Saturday to participate in the G20 Leaders Summit at the Bharat Mandapam and have a bilateral meeting with Modi on Sunday.

In anticipation of the G20 Summit scheduled for September 9 and 10 in the national capital, Delhi traffic police have implemented an online assistance resource. “Delhi Traffic Police has introduced its G20 Virtual Help Desk for real-time traffic updates during the G20 Summit. The same can be accessed by clicking on the link https://traffic.delhipolice.gov.in/dtpg20info,” Delhi Traffic Police posted on X.

Delhi Police personnel are conducting vigilant boat patrols along the Yamuna River due to concerns that potential troublemakers might attempt to infiltrate the New Delhi area and disrupt the G20 program, according to officials. A senior officer from the Delhi Police informed that the Yamuna River runs through the vicinity of New Delhi, close to the Bharat Mandapam, the venue for the G20 event. Consequently, there is a possibility that individuals with malicious intent may seek to enter New Delhi via the Yamuna. To safeguard security, Delhi Police personnel are utilizing boats to closely monitor all activities along the Yamuna.

Delhi Police have undertaken comprehensive preparations to ensure a high level of security during the G20 Summit in the nation's capital. As part of their preparations, the police conducted a tear-gas drill on Wednesday, further enhancing their readiness for the summit. Traffic rehearsals have also been integrated into the police's training regimen. A substantial contingent of 130,000 personnel, comprising members of the Delhi Police, Indian Army, and various specialized forces, will be deployed during these pivotal days.

As New Delhi hosts the G20 Summit this weekend, a prominent attraction known as the “Digital India Experience Zone” is being established to highlight India's accomplishments in digital transformation.

The “Digital India Experience Zone” will feature the practical implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure, which includes transformative elements such as Aadhaar, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), DigiLocker, DIKSHA, Bhashini, ONDC, and eSanjeevani, among others. These initiatives have already demonstrated their profound impact on Indian society.

Delegates attending the summit will have the opportunity to witness the tangible and positive impacts of Digital Public Infrastructure, as stated in a Ministry of Electronic and IT statement. India's leadership has played a pivotal role in securing this significant agreement, emphasizing the pivotal role of Digital Public Infrastructure in enhancing the quality of life.

The G20 summits typically commence without a predefined agenda. However, in alignment with this year's theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: One Earth, One Family, One Future,” India has placed sustainability at the forefront of discussions.

A recent statement from the White House further outlined that G20 partners will engage in collaborative endeavors to address pressing global concerns. These include initiatives related to the clean energy transition, climate change mitigation, alleviating the economic and social consequences of the conflict in Ukraine, and enhancing the capabilities of multilateral development institutions like the World Bank to combat poverty and address global challenges.

India has also assumed the role of being the “voice of the Global South,” championing the representation of underrepresented nations in global affairs. This includes serving as a mediator capable of finding common ground in the midst of global conflicts, such as the ongoing Ukraine war.

Group of 20 nations agreed to grant the African Union permanent membership status, according to people familiar with the matter, who said that leaders are expected to announce the decision during a summit in India this weekend.

The move would give the 55-member African Union, which is currently classified as an “invited international organization”, the same status as the EU, according to the people, who asked not to be identified. It’s part of a drive to provide African countries with a stronger voice on global issues such as climate change and emerging-market debt, particularly as emerging markets in the so-called Global South take on a more prominent role in world affairs. (Bloomberg)

In preparation for the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi on September 9-10, the DMRC has undertaken a beautification project at the Supreme Court Metro Station. The station's makeover includes the adornment of iconic global landmarks, featuring images of India's Taj Mahal, the UK's London Bridge, Italy's Pisa Tower, France's Eiffel Tower, and Brazil's Christ the Redeemer.

This renovation primarily focuses on enhancing public convenience, with a special emphasis on improving road crossings. Additionally, other metro stations, such as Indraprastha, Mandi House, Laxmi Nagar, Nirman Vihar, Preet Vihar, Akshardham, Rajiv Chowk, and Central Secretariat, have also undergone aesthetic enhancements as part of this initiative.

On India's G20 presidency, Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Armida Alisjahbana says, “…The expectation (from India) is very high, especially in the geopolitical context…The expectation is very high, especially for the G20 leadership & commitment to the most pressing issues & challenges…Everyone is looking at the outcome of this Summit.” (ANI)

While the national capital remains under watch by the various security agencies, the venue of the G20 Summit — Bharat Mandapam — has stricter regulations in place. The authorities released a list of items that are a complete no-no at the venue. Items like remote control car keys, cameras, flasks, among other things are not allowed inside the venue. Here’s the complete list of prohibited items:

A core focus of the G20's agenda at the New Delhi leaders' summit will be on strengthening multilateral development banks, with success potentially adding trillions of dollars to fight poverty and save the climate.

Development banks are linchpins in those fights and important cogs in the global economy, stepping in to lend to countries in need, whether it is financial challenges or disaster. This process of strengthening multilateral development banks was initiated through the G20's 2016 action plan, which directed banks to “work through their Boards to optimise balance sheets, in order to increase lending without substantially increasing risks or damaging credit ratings”.

Five years later, then-G20 president Italy took the reform process forward by instituting an independent review of multilateral development banks' Capital Adequacy Frameworks, which assess banks' ability to meet their financial obligations.

The Indian G20 presidency took the logical next step, developing an agenda, based on which the multilateral development banks can carry financing the recipients.

An International Expert Group was entrusted with this task, established to “address the shared global challenges of the 21st century”.

The group had three broad objectives: to prepare a roadmap for an updated development banking ecosystem that is better equipped to finance a range of SDGs and transboundary challenges such as climate change and health, evaluate the scale of funding required by and from banks to address their increasing needs and that of member countries, and better coordinate among banks to “address and finance global development and other challenges more effectively”. (PTI)

At the upcoming G20 Summit, attendees will be welcomed by an AI-generated 'avatar' at the 'Mother of Democracy' exhibition, set to be hosted at Bharat Mandapam. Officials have revealed that the exhibition aims to highlight India's democratic heritage, spanning from the Vedic era to modern times.

To ensure accessibility for a global audience, the exhibition content will be presented in 16 international languages, including English, French, Mandarin, Italian, Korean, and Japanese.

Sources also mentioned that India's democratic history will be condensed and retold through 26 interactive screens strategically arranged across multiple kiosks. (Read More)

“The India Growth Story, which is the best among large economies, is getting wider attention and appreciation with the G20 presidency. India’s highly profitable sectors like banking, IT and pharmaceuticals are already well researched and have attracted significant investments. A segment that has attracted significant attention in recent times is the India Stack and its phenomenal success. India’s digital ecosystem is now accepted as a model worthy of emulation. The explosive growth of Fintech companies is attracting a lot of attention. The incredible growth of non-IT services during the last couple of years also is attracting a lot of attention.

There is a global consensus among investors regarding India’s potential as an investment destination. The three Ds underlying the India Growth Story- Demography, Democracy, Digitalisation and Domestic consumption- will get more visibility due to the G20 presidency,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

As global leaders converge upon Bharat Mandapam this weekend, they'll encounter a towering 27-foot marvel: the Nataraja statue, an embodiment of Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance, reigning supreme over the G20 Summit arena.

This extraordinary Nataraja masterpiece, wrought from an eight-metal alloy known as 'ashtadhatu', weighting 18 tonnes, required a trailer equipped with 36 tires for its transportation to Delhi.

The sculptors, originating from Swamimalai in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district, proclaim their creation as a harmonious blend of age-old tradition and modern necessity. Srikanda Sthapathy, a 61-year-old artisan, along with his brothers Radhakrishna Sthapathy and Swaminatha Sthapathy, are humbled by the recognition and the deluge of congratulatory calls that have poured in, all celebrating their extraordinary craftsmanship, the Indian Express reported. (Read More)

Numerous prominent international dignitaries are set to visit the city during this period. In anticipation of the summit, authorities have unveiled specific traffic regulations that will be enforced in and around New Delhi from September 7th to 11th. Several commercial establishments, including malls and markets, will be temporarily closed during this period.

Areas falling outside the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) will experience uninterrupted traffic flow. However, traffic on National Highway 48 (NH-48) is expected to be affected, as stated by the Delhi Traffic Police.

A press release issued by the Delhi Traffic Police assures that measures have been put in place to ensure the seamless operation of Metro services and the availability of all modes of public transportation, albeit with certain regulations. (Read all the travel-related details here)

The summit will host several gatherings of Heads of State, including lunch and dinner events. Distinguished world leaders will enjoy sumptuous meals served on exquisite silverware adorned with intricately engraved motifs inspired by India's rich cultural heritage.

A team of 200 skilled artisans has meticulously crafted over 15,000 pieces of silverware for this special occasion. Iris Jaipur, a metalware firm based in Jaipur, revealed that a total of 50,000 man-hours were dedicated to the creation of these silverware items, with craftsmen hailing from Jaipur, Karnataka, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and various other regions of the country contributing their expertise.

To ensure perfection, the firm conducted a preview on Tuesday to verify the readiness of these silverware pieces. These splendid silverware sets were commissioned by several luxury hotels and will be used to serve VVIP foreign guests during their stays at these hotels, enhancing the dining experience with opulent dinners and luncheons.

The firm also shared that most of the tableware features a base made of steel or brass, or a combination of both, with a refined silver coating. Additionally, some of the silverware items are adorned with gold plating, reserved for serving welcome drinks. (Read more)

As India prepares to host the G20 Summit on September 9th and 10th, senior European Union (EU) representatives are providing insights into the ongoing discussions regarding a joint statement by the sherpas from member nations. EU officials have voiced apprehension over the arduous negotiations, citing Russia and China's reluctance to endorse specific language within the statement.

“We can’t say if a joint statement will be issued,” one senior EU official commented. Calling the ongoing negotiations “difficult,” the official said, “The text presented by the Indians is not sufficient for G7 and the EU. The difficulty arises from the fact that Russia and China have refused to revise certain languages. We expect the statement to reflect our position on Ukraine.” (Read More)

Flower vendors in the Ghazipur mandi see a spurt in their business as people throng to purchase flowers in view of Krishna Janmashtami & the upcoming G20 Summit.

“Several flowers are in demand and are being for decorative purposes during the G20 Summit. In the last 2-3 days, several customers have been purchasing flowers for Janmashtami and the upcoming G20 Summit. We are getting good work and there is a lot of enthusiasm among the vendors…” says a flower vendor in Ghazipur mandi.

Hosting the G20 represents a momentous occasion for India, and the initiatives formulated during its Presidency are expected to yield positive outcomes for the entire world, according to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.

India assumed the G20 Presidency last year, marking its first-time leadership in steering discussions and initiatives among member countries. These discussions encompassed a wide array of global challenges, including macroeconomic issues, trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.

Minister Joshi, who oversees the coal and mines portfolio, emphasized the historical significance of India's role in hosting the G20 during an interaction with PTI ahead of the Summit, which commences on Friday.

“The agenda is centered on global well-being, the sustainable future of our planet, and that's why our G20 slogan is 'One Earth, One Family, One Future.' The Mission LiFE is an integral part of this vision,” Joshi stated.

He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on sustainable economic development and his stance against conflict have garnered international recognition and appreciation. Joshi, who also serves as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, highlighted the global resonance of Modi's ideas.

(With inputs from PTI)

The G20 deals with two types of issues: ‘low politics’ or purely economic, developmental and financial issues, and ‘high politics’, which involves security issues. So far as financial and developmental issues are concerned, the states will negotiate mutually and seek common ground. For instance, some consensus may emerge on social and developmental issues. But their differences become pronounced on security issues. The Russia-Ukraine war and rising tension in the South China Sea are extremely sensitive issues of high politics. The Western bloc will try to declare Russia an aggressor, while Russia, backed by China, will fiercely resist such an attempt. New Delhi will try to calm them down and create some common ground, but the chances of its success are low.

Xi’s absence will reduce the chances of consensus on ‘high politics’. It was expected that Putin would skip the Summit, and Moscow had valid reasons to justify his absence. But the same cannot be said about Xi. Xi’s absence will diminish the profile of the G20 Summit somewhat. But it also puts a question mark on China as a responsible power. Apparently, China is not interested in resolving the Russia-Ukraine war or perhaps Xi thinks that the time and place are not appropriate for discussing this issue. In any case, this is neither good for the G20 nor for China.

Experts in India believe this might be a deliberate Chinese decision to water down India’s accomplishments. New Delhi may also avoid such summits hosted by China in future.

Note: The response is part of an interview with Dr Rajan Kumar, Associate Professor, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Read full interview here

Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth arrived in Delhi today for participating in the G20 Summit. “A warm welcome to PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius as he arrives in New Delhi for the G20 Summit,” the MEA shared on X.

“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam —these two words capture a deep philosophy. It means ‘the world is one family’. This is an all-embracing outlook that encourages us to progress as one universal family, transcending borders, languages, and ideologies. During India’s G20 Presidency, this has translated into a call for human-centric progress. As One Earth, we are coming together to nurture our planet. As One Family, we support each other in the pursuit of growth. And we move together towards a shared future—One Future—which is an undeniable truth in these interconnected times.”

Read full Opinion here

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik makes a portrait welcoming the US President Joe Biden to India for the G20 Summit. The President will arrive for the Summit on Friday. Pattnaik shared his work on X and informed that 2,000 diyas have been used in making the portrait.

Ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit, Delhi LG VK Saxena takes stock of preparations and cleanliness of the city.