G20 Summit LIVE Updates: Time to walk together for global good, says PM Modi

A replica of the Konark Wheel from Odisha’s Sun Temple served as the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welcome handshake with G20 leaders as they arrived at the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, here on Saturday.

The backdrop carried a striking image of the Konark Wheel with the G20 logo on one side and the theme of India’s presidency of the grouping — ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – One Earth. One Family. One Future’ — on the other.

Modi welcomed heads of state and other leaders amid melodious strains of shehnai as flags of G20 member countries, invited nations and several international organisations fluttered in the pleasant morning breeze.

• Amid deep divisions over the Ukraine war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged world leaders to turn the global trust deficit into confidence in each other and find new solutions to age-old challenges.

• Prime minister Narendra Modi announced to include the African Union as the permanent member of the G20 gorup, elevating its role among the world’s top economies.

• President Droupadi Murmu posted a welcome note for all the heads of delegation of the G20 nations and other participating countries in the G20 summit. President Murmu reiterated India’s theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and said that the vision will give way for sustainable, inclusive and human-centric development.

• PM Modi extended a warm welcome to fellow leaders as they gathered at the G20 Summit venue, Bharat Mandapam.

• Among the attendees are US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Bin Salman, and Japan’s Fumio Kishida, among others.

President Droupadi Murmu posted a welcome note for all the heads of delegation of the G20 nations and other participating countries in the G20 summit.

President Murmu reiterated India’s theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’ and said that the vision will give way for sustainable, inclusive and human-centric development.

Taking to X, President Murmu said, “A warm welcome to all Heads of Delegations of the G20 nations, Guest countries, and International Organisations participating in the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi. India’s G20 Presidency theme, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future’, is a global roadmap for sustainable, inclusive, and human-centric development. I wish the participants of G20 Summit every success in their efforts towards realising this vision.”

Major G20 partners will unveil ambitious plans Saturday to bolster trade between India, the Middle East and Europe, a modern-day Spice Route to bind regions that account for about a third of the global economy.

Washington, Saudi Arabia, the EU, the United Arab Emirates and others will sign an agreement on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi, presenting an alternative to China’s wide-ranging strategic infrastructure investments.

Officials told AFP the plan would include a slew of data, rail, electricity and hydrogen pipeline projects.

One proposed project would link railway and port facilities across the Middle East — including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel — potentially speeding trade between India and Europe by up to 40 percent.

Amid deep divisions over the Ukraine war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged world leaders to turn the global trust deficit into confidence in each other and find new solutions to age-old challenges.

In his opening remarks at the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Modi exuded confidence and said if the world could defeat Covid, it could also triumph over the trust deficit caused by the war.

“It is time for all of us to walk together for global good,” Modi said while addressing the ‘One Earth’ session of the G20 Leaders Summit attended by US President Joe Biden, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva among others.

Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived here on a three-day state visit during which he will hold a bilateral meeting and co-chair the first leaders’ meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During this visit, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia will also attend the G20 Summit being hosted in Delhi on Saturday and Sunday. He will continue his stay in India on Monday for the state visit, a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

On his arrival, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was received by Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the airport.

The Saudi Crown Prince had earlier come to India on a state visit in February 2019 and this will be his second state visit. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden and other top leaders of the world’s wealthiest economies began deliberations on pressing global challenges at the G20 Summit here on Saturday under the shadow of the Ukraine war that has significantly fragmented the global geopolitical order.

Hosting the big-ticket summit for the first time, India is looking at producing tangible results in areas of financing for climate transition, digital public infrastructure, accelerated implementation of sustainable development goals, framework for cryptocurrency and reform of the international financial institutions.

Majority of priorities of the Indian G20 presidency were aimed at benefiting the Global South or the developing countries. Indian negotiators involved in drafting the leaders’ declaration are confident that most of New Delhi’s proposals would be endorsed by the top leadership of the grouping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the G20 Summit emphasised the importance of the 21st century in finding new solutions to old challenges and called for a human-centric approach to address global challenges.

In his opening remarks at the G20 Summit, being held at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, PM Modi pointed out that to address global challenges and overcome trust deficits caused by conflicts there is a need to adopt a human-centric approach.

“The 21st century is an important time to show the world a new direction. This is the time when old problems are seeking new solutions from us and that is why we should move ahead fulfilling our responsibilities with a human-centric approach,” he said.

Chief ministers MK Stalin, Nitish Kumar, Hemant Soren leave for Delhi to attend G20 dinner being hosted by President Murmu.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told world leaders Saturday the planet was facing an “unprecedented climate emergency” while addressing the G20 Summit, reported AFP. 

“The lack of commitment to the environment has led us to an unprecedented climate emergency,” said Lula at the two-day meeting in New Delhi. “Droughts, floods, storms and fires are becoming more frequent.”

The Group of 20 nations agreed to grant the African Union permanent membership status in a move aimed at giving the continent a stronger voice on global issues such as climate change and emerging-market debt.

Summit host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement in New Delhi on Saturday at the start of the two-day meeting of G20 leaders, embracing Comoros President Azali Assoumani, holder of the AU presidency, and offering him a seat at the table.

The group of the world’s 20 leading economies is welcoming the African Union as a permanent member, a powerful acknowledgement of Africa as its more than 50 countries seek a more important role on the global stage.

US President Joe Biden called last year for the AU’s permanent membership in the G20, saying it’s been “a long time in coming.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the bloc was invited to join during the G20 summit his country is hosting this week.

The African Union has advocated for full membership for seven years, spokesperson Ebba Kalondo said. Until now, South Africa was the bloc’s only G20 member.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on converting the global trust deficit post-Covid pandemic into trust and confidence while underlining the significance of the current period of the 21st century and the need for showing a new direction to the whole world. Dig deeper

Permanent G20 membership signals the rise of a continent whose young population of 1.3 billion is set to double by 2050 and make up a quarter of the planet’s people.

The AU’s 55 member states, which include the disputed Western Sahara, have pressed for meaningful roles in the global bodies that long represented a now faded post-World War II order, including the United Nations Security Council. They also want reforms to a global financial system – including the World Bank and other entities – that forces African countries to pay more than others to borrow money, deepening their debt.

Africa is increasingly courting investment and political interest from a new generation of global powers beyond the U.S. and the continent’s former European colonizers. China is Africa’s largest trading partner and one of its largest lenders. Russia is its leading arms provider. Gulf nations have become some of the continent’s biggest investors. Turkey’s largest overseas military base and embassy are in Somalia. Israel and Iran are increasing their outreach in search of partners.

African leaders have impatiently challenged the framing of the continent as a passive victim of war, extremism, hunger and disaster that’s pressured to take one side or another among global powers. Some would prefer to be brokers, as shown by African peace efforts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Granting the African Union membership in the G20 is a step that recognizes the continent as a global power in itself. (AP)

The African Union, a continental body of 55 member states, now has the same status as the European Union – the only regional bloc with a full membership. Its previous designation was “invited international organisation”.

The G20 previously comprised 19 countries and the European Union, with the members representing around 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of global trade and about two-thirds of the world population.

The Ukrainian leader has not received an invitation to this year’s G20 Summit. Over the past 18 months, they have consistently participated in both virtual and in-person international forums to garner support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict, but will not be present at this particular summit.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm welcome to fellow leaders as they gathered at the G20 Summit venue, Bharat Mandapam.

• Among the attendees are US President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Bin Salman, and Japan’s Fumio Kishida, among others.

• In his inaugural address at the summit, PM Modi expressed solidarity with Morocco as it grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

• An important development during the summit is the granting of permanent member status in the Group of 20 to the African Union, elevating its role among the world’s top economies.

• Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping has opted not to participate in the meeting, and his representation will be handled by Premier Li Qiang. Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s absence will be filled by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

No business leaders have been extended invitations to the G20 India dinner set to take place at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday, according to PIB Fact Check, the central government’s agency responsible for debunking fake news and misinformation. Read our detailed story here

A total of 170 guests are on the list of special invitees of the G20 dinner hosted by President Draupadi Murmu in the national capital.

Apart from foriegn leaders and heads of delegates, Chief ministers of all the states, cabinet and state ministers, secretaries in the Central government, and other distinguished guests have been invited to the gala dinner that will be held at the multi-function hall of the Bharat Mandapam on Saturday (September 9).

The event’s host, President Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with his wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will join the dinner party.

If we can defeat Covid, we can also triumph over the trust deficit caused by the war. As G20 president, India appeals to entire world to turn trust deficit to confidence in each other, says PM Modi.

It has become people’s G20 in India, over 200 events held in more than 60 cities, says PM Modi.

Idea of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayas’ can be guide to the world: PM Modi on day one of G20 Summit.

We live in times when age old problems are seeking answers, need to fulfill our responsibilities with human-centric approach, says PM Modi in inaugural session of the 18th G20 Summit

Post-Covid world suffering from trust deficit, and the war has deepened it further, says PM Modi in inaugural session of the 18th G20 Summit.

Modi addresses G20 meeting with country name identified as ‘Bharat’ against his placard featuring country’s name.

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.

The African Union will be made a permanent member of the G20, comprising the world’s richest and most powerful countries, at the bloc’s summit in New Delhi, according to a draft declaration reviewed by Reuters.

The African Union, a continental body of 55 member states, would get the same status as the European Union – the only regional bloc with a full membership. Its current designation is “invited international organisation”.

“We welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 and strongly believe that inclusion of the African Union into the G20 will significantly contribute to addressing the global challenges of our time,” the draft declaration said.

US President Joe Biden arrives at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio, Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang arrive at Bharat Mandapam.

 PM Modi welcomes President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol, President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan at Bharat Mandapam.

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida arrives at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G 20 Summit in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni arrive at Bharat Mandapam, the venue for G20 Summit in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan.

Chief Co-ordinator of India’s G20 presidency Harsh Vardhan Shringla says, “I have been here since morning…While we represent India, our speciality of handicrafts is displayed here…There are at least 30 products from different states and Union Territories…There is an RBI Innovation hub where there is a demonstration of RBI’s digital currency…This going to be popular and all the products of all the stalls will be sold…”

The Summit would commence with the arrival of the world leaders at the venue (Bharat Mandapam) from 9.30 am onwards.

At around 10.30 the first session of the G20 Summit: ‘One Earth’ will take place. One Earth will be one of the main topics of discussion during the session at the G20 leaders’ summit. This session will focus on accelerating climate action through increased mitigation and strengthening the agenda of global net zero emission as soon as possible.

The newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan is all set to host the 18th G20 Summit on Saturday, with several top world leaders and heads of global organisations scheduled to arrive soon at the venue. The leaders will be received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as per summit protocol. Dig deeper

The welcome handshake of all leaders with PM Modi will showcase the Konark Wheel from Odisha. The Konark Wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I. The wheel with 24 spokes is also adapted into India’s national flag and embodies India’s ancient wisdom, advanced civilization, and architectural excellence. The rotating motion of the Konark Wheel, symbolizes time, Kalachakra as well as progress and continuous change. It serves as a powerful symbol of the wheel of democracy that reflects the resilience of democratic ideals, and commitment to progress in society.

Leaders of the world’s 20 most powerful nations begin an annual summit on Saturday in India’s capital New Delhi, deeply divided over the war in Ukraine but in broad agreement on issues such as cryptocurrencies and reforms in multilateral development banks.

U.S. President Joe Biden and other leaders of the Group of 20 nations will gather for the two-day summit at a new, $300 million conch-shaped convention centre Bharat Mandapam.

Due to traffic regulations in connection with G20 Summit, commuters travelling to Airport are requested to take Rao Tula Ram Marg instead of Dhaula Kuan,” tweets Delhi Traffic Police.

PM Modi arrives at Bharat Mandapam as two-day G20 Summit begins today. He was welcomed by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval.

US President Joe Biden shared a video on X, showing glimpses of his first day in India ahead of the G20 Summit. Take a look

On Saturday (September 9), Modi will hold bilateral meetings with leaders of the UK, Japan, Germany and Italy besides attending the G20 events. On Sunday (September 10), he will have a working lunch meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Both countries agreed to set up a Renewable Infrastructure Investment Fund with up $1 billion worth of investments ($500 million each). The leaders also agreed to cooperate on the accelerating nuclear energy in India for the power sector. The two lauded the settlement of the final World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute between the two countries.

The leaders of the world’s wealthiest countries have gathered in India’s capital, New Delhi, for the G20 summit.

Over two days, they are expected to coordinate policy on food security, vulnerable countries’ debt problems and climate action.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived here on Saturday morning to attend the two-day G20 summit.

A host of other leaders including US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reached on Friday itself for the summit that will be held over the weekend.

All the leaders were given a traditional welcome at the airport and they were scheduled to gather at Bharat Mandapam, the summit venue, later in the day.

Welcoming the Brazilian president to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled that he met him recently in Johannesburg.

“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,” Modi posted on X.

Brazil will take over the next presidency of G20 from India.

India will hand over the presidency to Brazil on December 1.

The Group of Twenty (G20) is a group of countries which meets to discuss international economic cooperation and political issues.

The bloc currently accounts for 80 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP), 75 percent of international trade and about two-thirds of the world population.

Although only treasury chiefs met in the initial years, heads of all member nations decided to meet once a year for a leaders’ summit after the 2008 global financial crisis.

As leaders started to arrive on Friday, Indian diplomats were still trying to find compromise language for a joint communique.

Russia and China, which has been Moscow’s most important supporter in the war against Ukraine, have rejected drafts that include a reference to Ukraine, which states that “most members strongly condemned the war”, the same language they signed off a year ago at the G20 summit in Indonesia’s Bali.

On the other hand, the European Union has said the compromise language proposed by India lacks the necessary strength for their approval.

This year’s summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam, a recently revamped conference centre in New Delhi.

The sprawling riverside site lies close to the towers of the 16th century Mughal-era Purana Qila fort, as well to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at the spot he was cremated – and where G20 leaders are expected to plant trees.

On Friday, Lutyens’ Delhi had more security personnel than civilians, guarding desolate, barricaded arterial roads and shut shops, as the central region was blanketed with stringent curbs in bolstered security measures a day before the main gathering of G20 leaders. Dig deeper

Most markets beyond the New Delhi area were vacant throughout Friday, as residents in the national capital stayed home and away from public spaces amid concerns over restrictions put in place for the G20 Summit. Dig deeper

Delhi’s civic agencies have made floral arrangements at public spaces, trees and rotaries, providing the finishing touch to the beautification drives carried out across the city in the run up to the G20 Summit. The floral arrangement included covering around 2,200 trees with marigold garlands, 20 Summit-themed floral boards, and 23 flower fountains at key locations around G20 venues, officials aware of the preparations said on Friday.

At least 12 of the 29 flights landed within three-and-a-half hours, with the separation between some flights being as little as under ten minutes, leading to frenetic arrangements to receive and dispatch the dignitaries to their respective hotels.

For example, the prime ministers of Netherlands and Singapore — both of who arrived on commercial flights — landed within six minutes of each other.

Similarly, the presidents of Turkey and Brazil arrived on their special flights within 15 minutes of each other. Dig deeper

The leaders who reached the national capital include US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Argentina President Alberto Fernandez and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also reached India. He had hosted the BRICS summit last month.

Other leaders who arrived in the national capital include Chinese Premiere Li Qiang, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Oman Deputy Prime Minister Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Egypt President El-Sisi, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

African Union Chairperson Azali Assoumani, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Argentina President Alberto Angel Fernandez, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann, World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also reached Delhi.

India holding the G20 Presidency at this time is a “golden opportunity” and it is ready to make a mark on the global stage, a top official in the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday, asserting that the country is all set for the summit.

In an interview with PTI on the eve of the mega conclave, G20 India Special Secretary Muktesh Pardesi also said the “broad agenda of the summit will revolve around ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — One Earth, One Family, One Future”.

Many world leaders have already arrived in Delhi on Friday ahead of the summit, including US President Joe Biden. Biden also held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his arrival.

“It is not only one event (summit), the overall backdrop in the country is positive. We celebrated 75 years of our Independence, we are the fifth largest economy right now, we are the largest democracy. So many things are in favour of India,” he said.

US President Joe Biden on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed issues ranging from defence cooperation, and technology sharing. The US President also congratulated India for the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

The two leaders held bilateral talks at PM residence – 7, Lok Kalyan, Marg in New Delhi, ahead of the G20 Summit over the weekend.

During this, India and the US also settled the seventh and last outstanding World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute.

Notably, the six previous disputes were resolved during PM Modi’s state visit to the US.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed United States President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to India today, reaffirming the close and enduring partnership between India and the United States. The leaders expressed their appreciation for the substantial progress underway to implement the ground breaking achievements of Prime Minister Modi’s historic, June 2023, visit to Washington,” the India-US joint statement read.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hosted a dinner for Finance Ministers of the G20 countries and the heads of international organisations on Friday ahead of the leaders’ summit in Delhi.

Internal Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva and World Trade Organisation (WTO) Chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala were in attendance at the dinner.

“Smt @nsitharaman hosted the #G20 Finance Ministers and Heads of International Organisations over dinner ahead of the #G20 #LeadersSummit in New Delhi. @g20org #G20India,” the office of Nirmala Sitharaman posted on X.

It is the first-ever G20 Summit in India and will be held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital on September 9 and 10.

As Delhi gears up for the two-day leaders’ summit, G20 Special Secretary, Muktesh Pardeshi, on Friday said that one of the advantages of the gala event would be that it will allow India to show that it is “ready to host any kind of event”.

“There is a support staff that is reviewing the security and other arrangements. Craftspeople are there who are participating. Managing all of this is a huge organisational scheme. We have been working on it for months. One of the advantages of the G-20 summit would be that we can tell the world that we are ready to organise any kind of event,” Muktesh Pardeshi told ANI while speaking on the arrangements of the event.

Further, speaking on the arrangement for delegates in Bharat Mandapam, the special secretary said that the team is prepared to manage 10,000 people in the summit.

For 2 days from today, the world’s top leaders will be gathering at Delhi’s sprawling Pragati Maidan for the G20 Summit. To maintain foolproof security arrangements during the G20 Summit, the Delhi Police has barred all online delivery services, except medicines, in the New Delhi district. Dig deeper

Delhi residents woke up to a sudden spell of rains in several parts of the national capital in the early hours of Saturday that brought temperatures down in the city. Delhi is likely to receive light rain in the morning hours on Saturday and Sunday, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to be around 37 and 27 degrees Celsius respectively.

“India is delighted to host the 18th G20 Summit on 09-10 September 2023 at New Delhi’s iconic Bharat Mandapam. This is the first ever G20 Summit being hosted by India. I look forward to productive discussions with world leaders over the next two days. It is my firm belief that the the New Delhi G20 Summit will chart a new path in the human-centric and inclusive development,” tweets PM Modi ahead of the G20 summit.

At around 7:00 pm today, the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu will take place.

Besides the foreign delegates parliamentarians and ministers in the current Cabinet, the G20 Summit dinner will be attended by some of the former senior leaders of the nation.

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 among the key leaders who are going to attend the event in the country’s capital city.

At a press briefing for the White House press corps travelling with President Joe Biden, Campbell, who is a key architect of the India policy in White House and was present at the meeting between Biden and PM Narendra Modi, also said that India is disappointed that Russia and China aren’t at the G20 Summit.

On the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping, Campbell said, “I think it is a disappointment for India that Russia and China aren’t here.” Dig deeper

The theme of this year’s G20 Summit, which is taking place under India’s presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future” – is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. Essentially, the theme affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms – and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe.

At least three Congress chief ministers may skip the G20 dinner to be hosted at Bharat Mandapam on September 9 by President Droupadi Murmu after party chief and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, was not invited for the banquet. Dig deeper

An ambient advertising campaign titled ’50 years of friendship and trust to the shining future of Korea and India’ has garnered significant attention as India prepares to host the 18th G20 summit on Saturday.

The G20 summit which is being held under India’s presidency this year in New Delhi, will witness the participation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol as well.

In anticipation of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s participation in the India G20 Summit beginning on September 9 and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and India, the Office of the Overseas Public Relations Secretary organized an ambient advertising campaign titled “50 Years of friendship and trust, to the shining future of Korea and India’, according to a statement issued by Korean Embassy.

8:15am to 9am: Arrival of leaders and heads of delegations in their individual motorcades at Rajghat and a signing of the peace wall inside the Leaders’ Lounge at Rajghat.

9am to 9:20am: World leaders to lay wreaths at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi followed by a live performance of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite devotional songs. Subsequently, leaders and heads of delegations will move to the Bharat Mandapam’s Leaders’ Lounge.

9:40am to 10:15am: Arrival of leaders and heads of delegation at Bharat Mandapam.

10:15am -10:30am: Tree planting ceremony at Bharat Mandapam’s South Plaza.

10:30am to 12:30pm: The third session of the summit, called ‘One Future’, will take place at the venue followed by the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.

9:30am to 10:30am: Arrival of leaders and heads of delegations at the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, followed by a welcome photograph with the Prime Minister at Tree of Life Foyer. Subsequently, leaders and heads of delegation assemble in Leaders’ Lounge, Level 2 at Bharat Mandapam.

10:30am to 1:30pm: The first session, called ‘One Earth,’ will take place at the Summit Hall at Bharat Mandapam, followed by a working lunch.

13:30am to 3:30pm: Various bilateral meetings will be held.

3:30pm to 4:45pm: The second session, ‘One Family,’ will take place in the summit venue after which the leaders return to their hotels.

7pm to 8pm: Arrival of leaders and heads of delegation for dinner, beginning with a welcome photograph on arrival.

8pm to 9pm: During dinner, the leaders will engage in talks over their meal.

9pm to 9:45pm: Leaders and heads of delegation will assemble in the Leaders’ Lounge at Bharat Mandapam to bring the day to a close.

With the national capital spruced up and partly emptied of people for the mega world event, the host, India, scrambled for last-minute agreement on vexed issues including the Ukraine war, climate and global governance. Here’s the full schedule of G20 Summit 2023. Dig deeper

Negotiations on a draft leaders’ declaration for the G20 Summit were inconclusive on Friday because of differences over the Ukraine conflict and other issues, people familiar with the matter said, adding that a final push by the leaders would be needed to break the impasse. Dig deeper