NEW DELHI is set to witness one of the world’s greatest diplomatic events on September 9 and 10 at the G20 Summit under India’s presidency.
As Prime Minster Narendra Modi put it, the occasion not only provides India an opportunity to showcase its rich tradition of hospitality, but also its capacity to shape a new world order.
The galaxy of participants includes US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and top leaders of all G20 countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin personally called PM Modi to convey his inability to attend in person and send Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as his proxy.
In addition to leaders and officials of the grouping, India has also invited a host of other countries and international organisations, including the United Nations.
Nuanced approach
Though the summit is being held under the shadow of the ongoing RussiaUkraine conflict and a disruption in global supply chain, its theme revolves around the ideas of ‘One Earth,’ ‘One Family,’ and ‘One Future,’ underscoring the essence of unity and collective action.
Under India’s nuanced approach, it serves as a crucial platform where leaders can address pressing challenges – from economic disparity to climate change.
It presents an opportunity for India to not only showcase its organisational prowess but also to set the agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The event is not just another diplomatic gathering but a platform that could decide the course of global events for years to come.
As the world’s fastest growing economy, India has already shown that it has emerged as the growth engine of the global economy.
The main event commences on September 9, beginning with a ceremonial reception of all the leaders individually at Bharat Mandapam. After two sessions on ‘One Earth’ and ‘One Family’, the day concludes with a gala dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at the Mandapam’s multipurpose hall.
The gathering will host 350-400 esteemed guests, according to sources. It will not be merely a social gathering; but a space for informal diplomacy where leaders can engage outside of the conference room’s rigidity.
The next day of the summit begins early with a visit to Rajghat, followed by a tree-plantation drive at the summit venue. The visit to Rajghat, the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, reflects the Summit’s broader humanitarian ethos. The tree-plantation activity resonates with the event’s focus on sustainability.
The summit will close with a session titled ‘One Future,’ culminating in the symbolic handover of the G20 presidency to Brazil, which will assume the Chair beginning December 1.