The President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen on her arrival at IGI Airport Terminal-3, in New Delhi on September 07, 2023, to participate in the G20 Summit.
By G Krishna Mohan Rao*
New Delhi: With the two-day G20 Summit all set to take off in New Delhi tomorrow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already embarked on a flurry of diplomatic engagements. He has a packed schedule, with over 15 bilateral meetings lined up with leaders from around the globe. This diplomatic extravaganza marks a significant opportunity for India to bolster international relations and discuss crucial global issues.
In a major engagement today, the Prime Minister hosts United States President Joe Biden for a private dinner this evening when the two leaders meet for bilateral talks. Sources confirmed that the special gesture for the US President will be at the Prime Minister’s Lok Kalyan Marg residence where they will meet around 7.30 pm. They are likely to discuss bilateral issues including nuclear energy, defence, consulates, and visas. The Russia-Ukraine war and the polarization over it within the G20 are also expected to figure prominently in the discussions. Much will depend on the flexibility shown by the US for a joint communique at the Summit, with the consensus of all members. Biden reaches New Delhi today late afternoon and he will leave for Vietnam on Sunday, September 10, 2023, afternoon after the Summit.
Ahead of Biden’s visit, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, “We commend Prime Minister Modi for his leadership of the G20 this year and we are committed to helping ensure that India has a successful G20 host this year”. This is Biden’s first visit to India as the US president, three months after Modi was in the US on a State visit. The last US President to visit India was Donald Trump in February 2020. In June this year, Biden and US First Lady Jill Biden hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Modi at the White House.
Meanwhile, sources in the Ministry Of External Affairs made it clear today morning that the meticulously planned bilateral meetings commence today and Modi would hold separate bilateral meetings with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth. These discussions are expected to encompass a wider range of topics, including trade, security and climate change, among others.
At a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kawatra said that tomorrow (September 9, 2023) Modi’s diplomatic agenda will intensify as he meets with leaders from the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Italy. The breadth of topics for these meetings promises to be diverse and impactful, reflecting the multifaceted nature of India’s foreign policy goals.
The concluding day of the Summit, September 10, 2023, will feature a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron. This meeting is likely to delve into pressing global issues, including counterterrorism efforts and economic cooperation, sources said.
In addition to the formal bilateral meetings, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled for a pull-aside meeting with Canadian President Justin Trudeau. Furthermore, Modi will engage in bilateral discussions with the leaders of Comoros, Turkey, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union and European Commission, Brazil and Nigeria.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is set to be attended by more than 30 heads of state, along with top officials from the European Union and invited guest countries, will also host 14 heads of international organisations. This diverse representation highlights the Summit’s significance as a platform for global leaders to collaboratively address critical global challenges.
Amidst these diplomatic exchanges and the arrival of heads of State from today, New Delhi is gearing up for the G20 Summit with an enhanced focus on security. Authorities have beefed up security measures across the national capital, with police, paramilitary forces and other agencies maintaining a vigilant presence throughout the city. Markswomen and armed forces have been strategically deployed. Delhi police are receiving invaluable assistance from the India Air Force and specialised central agencies like the National Security Guard and Central Armed Police Forces.
*Senior journalist
