G20 Summit 2023: PM Modi and Biden engage in bilateral talks covering various topics prior to the event
The White House aims to demonstrate the United States' capacity to make a global impact during this summit, especially as emerging economies unite in groups like BRICS to amplify their voices
G20 Summit 2023: Several world leaders, including United States President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and UN Secretary-General Antonia Guterres, arrived in Delhi on Friday to attend the G20 summit, hosted by India on September 9 and 10.
US President Joe Biden arrived in Delhi aboard Air Force One, landing at the Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly before 7 pm. During his visit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions on a range of issues, including fighter jet engines, predator drones, and cooperation on critical technologies like 5G and 6G networks, may take place. There are also discussions regarding a major rail deal, although US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has not confirmed these reports.
Before departing for India, President Biden expressed optimism about the G20 summit's potential outcomes, emphasizing the forum's role in international economic cooperation. He stressed that the summit would focus on advancing American priorities, supporting developing nations, and reaffirming the G20's commitment as a platform for delivering results.
Biden will be staying at the luxurious ITC Maurya Sheraton in Delhi. The White House aims to demonstrate the US's ability to contribute to global initiatives during this summit, especially as emerging economies unite in groups like BRICS to advocate for their concerns.
Last month, the BRICS bloc, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, announced its intention to welcome six new member nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
President Biden, aged 80, tested negative for COVID-19 before his trip. This precaution followed a medical scare caused by his wife, Jill Biden, testing positive for the virus.
Upon their arrival at the airport, world leaders were welcomed with traditional dance performances by various groups. IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva was seen dancing to the music with a smile.
Responding to a post by Georgieva on social media, Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for her affinity for India's culture. Various Union Ministers received the arriving leaders, including Shobha Karandlaje, Darshana Jardosh, Ashwini Choubey, and Faggan Singh Kulaste.
The G20 summit will bring together leaders from around the world to discuss pressing global issues during the event on September 9 and 10. India is hosting the summit as the current chair of the G20.
Under India's G20 presidency, the focus has been on key areas such as inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and global health equity. The G20 member countries collectively represent approximately 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world's population.
The G20 comprises Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU).
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