News Analysis India

Tag: G20 presidency

  • January will be dotted with G20 events across the country

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The spotlight will be on India for a major part of 2023, especially during the over 200 meetings that have been slated to be held under India’s G20 Presidency. January will be a busy date as working group meetings would be held across ten different locations and in addition, there would be one virtual meeting.

    “The events will be held across different parts of the country under different segments. Kolkata will host the first meeting on global partnership for financial inclusion between the 9th and 11th. A working group meeting will be held on health in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai will host a meeting on education, while Guwahati will host the first sustainable financial meeting and Chandigarh will host the first financial architecture meeting,” said sources.

    Identifying the venue, and ensuring the safety and comfort of all the delegations was a long and arduous process.

    The G20 events in India are being held in a centralised way, unlike what was being done in Indonesia, where each event was handled by a different set of departments/officials.

    “We have ensured that the delegates are comfortable, whilst they visit different places in India. All venues were inspected before they got the go-ahead for hosting these events. Adequate arrangements have been made for their security and comfort too. We would hope that they take back memories of India which they share back home,” said sources.

    During the month of January, a virtual meeting will be held on the 17th and 18th on the digital economy. This is likely to attract more participants.

    The ten physical meetings that have been slated for January will be held in Kolkata, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhopal, Gandhinagar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Chandigarh and Chennai.

    “Visitors will be able to savour local delicacies through specialised chefs and artisans will also display their ware. The venues where these delegates will be hosted will be blocked for only the G20 to ensure privacy,” sources added.

    NEW DELHI: The spotlight will be on India for a major part of 2023, especially during the over 200 meetings that have been slated to be held under India’s G20 Presidency. January will be a busy date as working group meetings would be held across ten different locations and in addition, there would be one virtual meeting.

    “The events will be held across different parts of the country under different segments. Kolkata will host the first meeting on global partnership for financial inclusion between the 9th and 11th. A working group meeting will be held on health in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai will host a meeting on education, while Guwahati will host the first sustainable financial meeting and Chandigarh will host the first financial architecture meeting,” said sources.

    Identifying the venue, and ensuring the safety and comfort of all the delegations was a long and arduous process.

    The G20 events in India are being held in a centralised way, unlike what was being done in Indonesia, where each event was handled by a different set of departments/officials.

    “We have ensured that the delegates are comfortable, whilst they visit different places in India. All venues were inspected before they got the go-ahead for hosting these events. Adequate arrangements have been made for their security and comfort too. We would hope that they take back memories of India which they share back home,” said sources.

    During the month of January, a virtual meeting will be held on the 17th and 18th on the digital economy. This is likely to attract more participants.

    The ten physical meetings that have been slated for January will be held in Kolkata, Pune, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhopal, Gandhinagar, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Chandigarh and Chennai.

    “Visitors will be able to savour local delicacies through specialised chefs and artisans will also display their ware. The venues where these delegates will be hosted will be blocked for only the G20 to ensure privacy,” sources added.

  • From gala dinner to excursion, iconic ASI sites to host G20 delegates 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: From Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra to Qutub archaeological park in Delhi, India will showcase its centuries-old architectural heritage to G20 delegates by hosting excursions and gala dinners at many of the ASI sites, starting mid-December, official sources said.

    India assumed the year-long presidency of G20 on December 1. More than 200 meetings will be held in India across 55 locations. The first meeting of the G20 was held in the first week of December in Udaipur when the G20 Sherpa met.

    Besides, experiencing the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Rajasthan, delegates were also taken on a half-day excursion to the Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, officials said.

    “Now, an itinerary has been drawn for the events that will take place at some of the very well-known ASI sites from December-March as part of the G20 meetings in India to showcase our cultural and architectural wealth to the delegates. These events will include excursions and gala dinners hosted with a monument in the backdrop,” an official source told PTI.

    The event lined up at a centrally-protected site, immediately after the Sherpa meet in Udaipur, is a half-day excursion for delegates to Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra from December 12-15, he said.

    And, tentatively, the shortlisted monuments for delegation-level visit also include Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Karnataka, and a gala dinner, the source said, adding, the itinerary for the December-March period only is known so far.

    There are a total of 3,693 heritage sites in India protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which falls within the purview of the Union Ministry of Culture.

    The planned G20 meetings are to be hosted not just in big metros but even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and the ASI too is gearing up to put its best foot forward.ALSO READ | Taste of India at G20 events with bit of Yoga, sip of herbal tea

    “The idea behind the excursions or gala dinners at heritage sites is to bring focus on our built heritage, spanning centuries, as also to give the G20 delegates an extraordinary experience — recreational, cultural and culinary. The menu for gala dinners will also be carefully chosen,” a senior official said on the condition of anonymity.

    The tentative itinerary for the first three months of 2023 begins with visits to sites in Pune in mid-January (January 16-17), followed by a half-day visit to Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh (January 19-20), the sources said.

    In Pune, delegates will see the stunning Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada and Shivneri Fort. G20 delegates will get to see the architectural and cultural diversity of India from all corners of the country, and from January 23-24, they will immerse themselves in heritage experience in Gujarat, they said.

    “Site visits in Gujarat include Rani ki Vav in Patan, Sun Temple in Modhera, Teen Darwaza or Tripolia Gate in Ahmedabad and Adalaj Stepwell near Gandhinagar,” the source said, adding the three-month itinerary is tentative and there could be a few changes later.

    Around January 28, a half-day visit will be organised for delegates to Charminar and Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. From January 31-February 2, they will be hosted at the famous Shore Temple of Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu.

    “Choosing a cultural site for a meeting of any nature immediately brings a spotlight on that heritage, and these delegates when they will return will also talk about the cultural wealth of India in their own countries, and thus strengthen bonds too. Delegates sharing pictures from cultural sites on social media also helps promotes Indian culture abroad,” the official said. India hosting the G20 as its chair and the ASI getting an opportunity to host the delegates is a “proud moment for all of us,” he added.ALSO READ |Advaita, G20 and the chasm between illusion and reality

    In early February, a half-day excursion has been planned for the delegates to Mandore Fort and Mandore Garden in Rajasthan. From February 8-9, they will pay a visit to the grand Taj Mahal in Agra, the official said.

    “Mid-February, the cultural stage will shift to Maharashtra again, with Ajanta and Ellora Caves playing the host for G20 delegates from February 13-14. A gala dinner will be hosted in the lawns of the premises with the caves in the backdrop,” he said. Around February 13-15, many delegates will also visit Lucknow to see the famed Imambara and the Residency.

    “Later that month, an excursion for them will take place in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh from February 23-25, and a gala dinner has been planned there too,” the official said.

    Cultural sites are playing an important role during India’s Presidency of the G20, as seen in Udaipur too, and the ASI had lit up its 100 iconic sites across India from December 1-7, bearing the G20 logo to mark the occasion when India assumed the chair of the influential bloc.

    In March, the focus will shift to Delhi and an excursion will be hosted at Qutub archaeological park, tentatively from March 1-2, the sources said. A gala dinner has also been planned at Mandu Fort in Madhya Pradesh as visits to Dholavira, and again a visit to Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Karnataka, they said. From March 6-7, full-day excursions have been planned for delegates to Nalanda university ruins, Rajgir and Gaya in Bihar, the sources said.

    Later that month, the itinerary also mentions a Kerala visit from March 22-24, and sites include Mattancherry Palace, St Francis Church in Kochi, and again at Elephanta Caves from March 28-30, followed by a Gujarat excursion again from March 30-April 1, they said.ALSO READ | Climate to be ‘big focus’ as India assumes G20 presidency

    NEW DELHI: From Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra to Qutub archaeological park in Delhi, India will showcase its centuries-old architectural heritage to G20 delegates by hosting excursions and gala dinners at many of the ASI sites, starting mid-December, official sources said.

    India assumed the year-long presidency of G20 on December 1. More than 200 meetings will be held in India across 55 locations. The first meeting of the G20 was held in the first week of December in Udaipur when the G20 Sherpa met.

    Besides, experiencing the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Rajasthan, delegates were also taken on a half-day excursion to the Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, officials said.

    “Now, an itinerary has been drawn for the events that will take place at some of the very well-known ASI sites from December-March as part of the G20 meetings in India to showcase our cultural and architectural wealth to the delegates. These events will include excursions and gala dinners hosted with a monument in the backdrop,” an official source told PTI.

    The event lined up at a centrally-protected site, immediately after the Sherpa meet in Udaipur, is a half-day excursion for delegates to Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra from December 12-15, he said.

    And, tentatively, the shortlisted monuments for delegation-level visit also include Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Karnataka, and a gala dinner, the source said, adding, the itinerary for the December-March period only is known so far.

    There are a total of 3,693 heritage sites in India protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which falls within the purview of the Union Ministry of Culture.

    The planned G20 meetings are to be hosted not just in big metros but even in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and the ASI too is gearing up to put its best foot forward.ALSO READ | Taste of India at G20 events with bit of Yoga, sip of herbal tea

    “The idea behind the excursions or gala dinners at heritage sites is to bring focus on our built heritage, spanning centuries, as also to give the G20 delegates an extraordinary experience — recreational, cultural and culinary. The menu for gala dinners will also be carefully chosen,” a senior official said on the condition of anonymity.

    The tentative itinerary for the first three months of 2023 begins with visits to sites in Pune in mid-January (January 16-17), followed by a half-day visit to Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh (January 19-20), the sources said.

    In Pune, delegates will see the stunning Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada and Shivneri Fort. G20 delegates will get to see the architectural and cultural diversity of India from all corners of the country, and from January 23-24, they will immerse themselves in heritage experience in Gujarat, they said.

    “Site visits in Gujarat include Rani ki Vav in Patan, Sun Temple in Modhera, Teen Darwaza or Tripolia Gate in Ahmedabad and Adalaj Stepwell near Gandhinagar,” the source said, adding the three-month itinerary is tentative and there could be a few changes later.

    Around January 28, a half-day visit will be organised for delegates to Charminar and Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. From January 31-February 2, they will be hosted at the famous Shore Temple of Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu.

    “Choosing a cultural site for a meeting of any nature immediately brings a spotlight on that heritage, and these delegates when they will return will also talk about the cultural wealth of India in their own countries, and thus strengthen bonds too. Delegates sharing pictures from cultural sites on social media also helps promotes Indian culture abroad,” the official said. India hosting the G20 as its chair and the ASI getting an opportunity to host the delegates is a “proud moment for all of us,” he added.ALSO READ |Advaita, G20 and the chasm between illusion and reality

    In early February, a half-day excursion has been planned for the delegates to Mandore Fort and Mandore Garden in Rajasthan. From February 8-9, they will pay a visit to the grand Taj Mahal in Agra, the official said.

    “Mid-February, the cultural stage will shift to Maharashtra again, with Ajanta and Ellora Caves playing the host for G20 delegates from February 13-14. A gala dinner will be hosted in the lawns of the premises with the caves in the backdrop,” he said. Around February 13-15, many delegates will also visit Lucknow to see the famed Imambara and the Residency.

    “Later that month, an excursion for them will take place in Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh from February 23-25, and a gala dinner has been planned there too,” the official said.

    Cultural sites are playing an important role during India’s Presidency of the G20, as seen in Udaipur too, and the ASI had lit up its 100 iconic sites across India from December 1-7, bearing the G20 logo to mark the occasion when India assumed the chair of the influential bloc.

    In March, the focus will shift to Delhi and an excursion will be hosted at Qutub archaeological park, tentatively from March 1-2, the sources said. A gala dinner has also been planned at Mandu Fort in Madhya Pradesh as visits to Dholavira, and again a visit to Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple in Karnataka, they said. From March 6-7, full-day excursions have been planned for delegates to Nalanda university ruins, Rajgir and Gaya in Bihar, the sources said.

    Later that month, the itinerary also mentions a Kerala visit from March 22-24, and sites include Mattancherry Palace, St Francis Church in Kochi, and again at Elephanta Caves from March 28-30, followed by a Gujarat excursion again from March 30-April 1, they said.ALSO READ | Climate to be ‘big focus’ as India assumes G20 presidency

  • PM Modi chairs all-party meeting to brief leaders on India’s G20 Presidency

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired an all-party meeting to underscore the significance of India’s presidency of the G20 and brief the leaders about the government’s approach.

    India formally assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1.

    Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were among the leaders present at the meeting.

    Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik were among those present at the meeting which is taking place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

    The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies. Last month, Indonesia handed over the G20 presidency to India in the presence of PM Modi at the Bali summit for the coming year.ALSO READ | Centre could have used any national symbol other than lotus for G20 logo: Mamata

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired an all-party meeting to underscore the significance of India’s presidency of the G20 and brief the leaders about the government’s approach.

    India formally assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1.

    Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were among the leaders present at the meeting.

    Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik were among those present at the meeting which is taking place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

    The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies. Last month, Indonesia handed over the G20 presidency to India in the presence of PM Modi at the Bali summit for the coming year.ALSO READ | Centre could have used any national symbol other than lotus for G20 logo: Mamata

  • PM Modi calls for end to war as India takes G20 presidency

    By AFP

    NEW DELHI: India opened its G20 presidency on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for an end to war, implicitly rebuking longstanding ally Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

    New Delhi and Moscow have ties dating back to the Cold War, and Russia remains by far India’s biggest arms supplier.

    India has shied away from explicit condemnations of Russia over the war despite its economy being stung by the soaring oil and commodities prices that followed.

    Modi has pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, including at a face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in September.

    He reiterated that call in an article outlining India’s ambitions for the G20 forum — of which Russia is a member — released by the government and published by the Telegraph newspaper in Britain.

    “Today, we do not need to fight for our survival – our era need not be one of war. Indeed, it must not be one!” Modi wrote.

    The invasion of Ukraine, a country known as the “breadbasket of Europe”, has periodically disrupted grain shipments and raised the spectre of a global food crisis.

    Modi said India would “seek to depoliticise the global supply of food, fertilizers and medical products so that geo-political tensions do not lead to humanitarian crises.”

    “As in our own families, those whose needs are the greatest must always be our first concern.”

    New Delhi has long walked a tightrope in its relations with the West and Moscow — and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the difficulty of that balancing act.

    It has repeatedly brushed off calls from Washington to condemn Moscow, despite pursuing greater security ties with the United States.

    Putin visited New Delhi last year, bear-hugging Modi and hailing India as a “great power” as the two men bolstered military and energy ties. The Asian giant is also a major consumer of Russian oil, ramping up discounted purchases in the wake of a Western embargo.ALSO READ | Climate to be ‘big focus’ as India assumes G20 presidency

    NEW DELHI: India opened its G20 presidency on Thursday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling for an end to war, implicitly rebuking longstanding ally Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

    New Delhi and Moscow have ties dating back to the Cold War, and Russia remains by far India’s biggest arms supplier.

    India has shied away from explicit condemnations of Russia over the war despite its economy being stung by the soaring oil and commodities prices that followed.

    Modi has pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict, including at a face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in September.

    He reiterated that call in an article outlining India’s ambitions for the G20 forum — of which Russia is a member — released by the government and published by the Telegraph newspaper in Britain.

    “Today, we do not need to fight for our survival – our era need not be one of war. Indeed, it must not be one!” Modi wrote.

    The invasion of Ukraine, a country known as the “breadbasket of Europe”, has periodically disrupted grain shipments and raised the spectre of a global food crisis.

    Modi said India would “seek to depoliticise the global supply of food, fertilizers and medical products so that geo-political tensions do not lead to humanitarian crises.”

    “As in our own families, those whose needs are the greatest must always be our first concern.”

    New Delhi has long walked a tightrope in its relations with the West and Moscow — and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the difficulty of that balancing act.

    It has repeatedly brushed off calls from Washington to condemn Moscow, despite pursuing greater security ties with the United States.

    Putin visited New Delhi last year, bear-hugging Modi and hailing India as a “great power” as the two men bolstered military and energy ties. The Asian giant is also a major consumer of Russian oil, ramping up discounted purchases in the wake of a Western embargo.ALSO READ | Climate to be ‘big focus’ as India assumes G20 presidency

  • India must become voice of Global South, says Jaishankar as India assumes G20 Presidency

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: As India formally assumes the G20 Presidency today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the event offers an opportunity to share India’s story with others.

    Speaking at the University Connect Programme at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Jaishankar said there are very good reasons why today’s world is taking a much deeper interest in India.

    “G20 presidency offers an opportunity to share our story with others, particularly those who may transpose some of our experiences on their performance or challenges,” he said attended by high-level delegates including G20’s India Coordinator, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

    “It is also the time we become the voice of the Global South.”

    Underscoring the importance of this juncture, the external affairs minister said this is not a development that should be regarded as just one more diplomatic happening.

    “On the contrary, it is a crucial responsibility that is being assumed by India at a very challenging time in world politics and at an inflection point in India’s own history,” he said.ALSO READ | Today, India commences its G20 presidency: PM Modi

    He said G20 is not just the collective weight of participants, adding the very process of holding it is uniquely impactful.

    Jaishankar noted how about 200 meetings of G20 are taking place in multiple locations across India.

    “Given its significance, we would like G20 not to be a Delhi-centric set of events, but one that is hosted and celebrated across the width and the breadth of our country,” he stressed.

    Talking about the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency, he highlighted the devastation caused by the COVID pandemic, over the last three years.

    Arguing for more focus on issues affecting the vulnerable sections of the world, Jaishankar said that attention needs to be paid not only to the problem but also to finding viable solutions.ALSO READ | India’s Climate Change Performances among G20 countries

    This University Connect event today saw the virtual participation of students and leading academicians from 75 universities across the country with top leaders, scholars, and academicians.

    Speaking before Jaishankar, G-20’s India Coordinator Shringla said this moment is a “mega national event” that presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and development prowess.

    “India’s G20 presidency is a mega national event. Let us come together and participate in it, immerse in it, and propagate it so that it becomes edged into our memories for all times to come,” he said.

    Shringla said the country’s G20 presidency is both a unique opportunity and profound responsibility for all Indians.

    G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant also spoke at the event. Kant said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world in very challenging times.

    “As the G20 President, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world. And this is a huge responsibility because we are taking over this at a very challenging time in the world,” he added.ALSO READ| India’s essential role in negotiating G20 declaration

    NEW DELHI: As India formally assumes the G20 Presidency today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the event offers an opportunity to share India’s story with others.

    Speaking at the University Connect Programme at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Jaishankar said there are very good reasons why today’s world is taking a much deeper interest in India.

    “G20 presidency offers an opportunity to share our story with others, particularly those who may transpose some of our experiences on their performance or challenges,” he said attended by high-level delegates including G20’s India Coordinator, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

    “It is also the time we become the voice of the Global South.”

    Underscoring the importance of this juncture, the external affairs minister said this is not a development that should be regarded as just one more diplomatic happening.

    “On the contrary, it is a crucial responsibility that is being assumed by India at a very challenging time in world politics and at an inflection point in India’s own history,” he said.ALSO READ | Today, India commences its G20 presidency: PM Modi

    He said G20 is not just the collective weight of participants, adding the very process of holding it is uniquely impactful.

    Jaishankar noted how about 200 meetings of G20 are taking place in multiple locations across India.

    “Given its significance, we would like G20 not to be a Delhi-centric set of events, but one that is hosted and celebrated across the width and the breadth of our country,” he stressed.

    Talking about the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency, he highlighted the devastation caused by the COVID pandemic, over the last three years.

    Arguing for more focus on issues affecting the vulnerable sections of the world, Jaishankar said that attention needs to be paid not only to the problem but also to finding viable solutions.ALSO READ | India’s Climate Change Performances among G20 countries

    This University Connect event today saw the virtual participation of students and leading academicians from 75 universities across the country with top leaders, scholars, and academicians.

    Speaking before Jaishankar, G-20’s India Coordinator Shringla said this moment is a “mega national event” that presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and development prowess.

    “India’s G20 presidency is a mega national event. Let us come together and participate in it, immerse in it, and propagate it so that it becomes edged into our memories for all times to come,” he said.

    Shringla said the country’s G20 presidency is both a unique opportunity and profound responsibility for all Indians.

    G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant also spoke at the event. Kant said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world in very challenging times.

    “As the G20 President, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world. And this is a huge responsibility because we are taking over this at a very challenging time in the world,” he added.ALSO READ| India’s essential role in negotiating G20 declaration

  • We must become voice of Global South, says Jaishankar as India assumes G20 Presidency

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: As India formally assumes the G20 Presidency today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the event offers an opportunity to share India’s story with others.

    Speaking at the University Connect Programme at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Jaishankar said there are very good reasons why today’s world is taking a much deeper interest in India.

    “G20 presidency offers an opportunity to share our story with others, particularly those who may transpose some of our experiences on their performance or challenges,” he said attended by high-level delegates including G20’s India Coordinator, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

    “It is also the time we become the voice of the Global South.”

    Underscoring the importance of this juncture, the external affairs minister said this is not a development that should be regarded as just one more diplomatic happening.

    “On the contrary, it is a crucial responsibility that is being assumed by India at a very challenging time in world politics and at an inflection point in India’s own history,” he said.ALSO READ | Today, India commences its G20 presidency: PM Modi

    He said G20 is not just the collective weight of participants, adding the very process of holding it is uniquely impactful.

    Jaishankar noted how about 200 meetings of G20 are taking place in multiple locations across India.

    “Given its significance, we would like G20 not to be a Delhi-centric set of events, but one that is hosted and celebrated across the width and the breadth of our country,” he stressed.

    Talking about the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency, he highlighted the devastation caused by the COVID pandemic, over the last three years.

    Arguing for more focus on issues affecting the vulnerable sections of the world, Jaishankar said that attention needs to be paid not only to the problem but also to finding viable solutions.ALSO READ | India’s Climate Change Performances among G20 countries

    This University Connect event today saw the virtual participation of students and leading academicians from 75 universities across the country with top leaders, scholars, and academicians.

    Speaking before Jaishankar, G-20’s India Coordinator Shringla said this moment is a “mega national event” that presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and development prowess.

    “India’s G20 presidency is a mega national event. Let us come together and participate in it, immerse in it, and propagate it so that it becomes edged into our memories for all times to come,” he said.

    Shringla said the country’s G20 presidency is both a unique opportunity and profound responsibility for all Indians.

    G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant also spoke at the event. Kant said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world in very challenging times.

    “As the G20 President, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world. And this is a huge responsibility because we are taking over this at a very challenging time in the world,” he added.ALSO READ| India’s essential role in negotiating G20 declaration

    NEW DELHI: As India formally assumes the G20 Presidency today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the event offers an opportunity to share India’s story with others.

    Speaking at the University Connect Programme at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Jaishankar said there are very good reasons why today’s world is taking a much deeper interest in India.

    “G20 presidency offers an opportunity to share our story with others, particularly those who may transpose some of our experiences on their performance or challenges,” he said attended by high-level delegates including G20’s India Coordinator, Harsh Vardhan Shringla and G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant.

    “It is also the time we become the voice of the Global South.”

    Underscoring the importance of this juncture, the external affairs minister said this is not a development that should be regarded as just one more diplomatic happening.

    “On the contrary, it is a crucial responsibility that is being assumed by India at a very challenging time in world politics and at an inflection point in India’s own history,” he said.ALSO READ | Today, India commences its G20 presidency: PM Modi

    He said G20 is not just the collective weight of participants, adding the very process of holding it is uniquely impactful.

    Jaishankar noted how about 200 meetings of G20 are taking place in multiple locations across India.

    “Given its significance, we would like G20 not to be a Delhi-centric set of events, but one that is hosted and celebrated across the width and the breadth of our country,” he stressed.

    Talking about the backdrop of India’s G20 Presidency, he highlighted the devastation caused by the COVID pandemic, over the last three years.

    Arguing for more focus on issues affecting the vulnerable sections of the world, Jaishankar said that attention needs to be paid not only to the problem but also to finding viable solutions.ALSO READ | India’s Climate Change Performances among G20 countries

    This University Connect event today saw the virtual participation of students and leading academicians from 75 universities across the country with top leaders, scholars, and academicians.

    Speaking before Jaishankar, G-20’s India Coordinator Shringla said this moment is a “mega national event” that presents an opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and development prowess.

    “India’s G20 presidency is a mega national event. Let us come together and participate in it, immerse in it, and propagate it so that it becomes edged into our memories for all times to come,” he said.

    Shringla said the country’s G20 presidency is both a unique opportunity and profound responsibility for all Indians.

    G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant also spoke at the event. Kant said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world in very challenging times.

    “As the G20 President, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be setting the agenda of the world. And this is a huge responsibility because we are taking over this at a very challenging time in the world,” he added.ALSO READ| India’s essential role in negotiating G20 declaration

  • Dealing with China will be a ‘challenge’ during India’s G20 presidency: Ex-dy NSA Pankaj Saran

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Dealing with China would be a “challenge” for India during its G20 presidency and New Delhi would adopt a “cautious approach” towards Beijing, judging it by its deeds and not words, former deputy national security advisor Pankaj Saran said on Sunday.

    In an interview with PTI, Saran also said India would expect that China recognises it as a rising power and deals with it on equal terms.

    He said India’s number one priority during its upcoming G20 presidency should be to restore the economic order that provides stability and creates an atmosphere conducive to the growth of an economy such as itself.

    India should focus on bringing a semblance of sanity back into the global order, said Saran, who is a member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).

    ALSO READ | India must utilise G20 presidency by focusing on global good: PM Modi

    Saran said another important priority for India during its presidency would be to address the issues of concern to the developing world such as energy security, food security, climate security, and to see how India’s voice and perspective can be infused into the G20.

    He said that unfortunately the entire G20 agenda which is essentially economic has been “weaponised” by the advanced economies.

    “So because of the (Ukraine) conflict today we are confronted with weaponisation of economic and financial transactions in the world… and the fault for this lies both on the advanced western economies as well as Russia, and the victims are developing countries like India,” he said.

    Saran asserted that another key priority for India would be the issue of reform of multilateral international organisations and institutions as they, in the current state, do not reflect contemporary realities, he said.

    Saran said the formulation -today’s era must not be of war- that was adopted at the G20 summit in Bali earlier this month was an echo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the wake of the Ukraine conflict and reflected India’s growing clout at the world stage.

    “It is rare that an Indian perspective is recognised by a powerful grouping like the G20. India’s role enabled the G20 to find a consensus on this issue,” said Saran, who was the deputy NSA from September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021.

    Asked about how India would perform the balancing act as G20 president with China as one of the prominent members of the grouping, Saran said, “This is going to be a challenge for Indian diplomacy and it is also going to be a challenge for China as to how it chooses to deal with India because it has no option but to deal with India as the G20 president.”

    “Not just at the summit level but there are several meetings as part of the Indian G20 presidency,” he noted.

    ALSO READ | Ahead of G20, India placed at best among G20 countries on Climate Change Performances

    “In each of the meetings, India is going to be in the chair, so China also has to take some tough decisions on how it wishes to approach and support or not support India’s presidency,” Saran said.

    “Obviously President (Xi Jinping) is going to be invited for the Summit and China will be invited for all the other meetings. You just have to hope that China understands and recognises that India is a rising economy, it is a rising power,” Saran told PTI.

    “China has to accept and deal with India on terms which are equal, which give respect to India, and it translates its words into deeds on how it respects India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, adheres to the agreements on peace and tranquillity at the border and also respects India’s core national interests,” he said.

    China has to do all that and also ensure that it restores the status quo which existed before April 2020, Saran said.

    “I think the approach to China is going to be cautious, we will judge them by their deeds not by the words and this is an opportunity for China to prove that it genuinely desires to live in peace with India based on the established principles of international law,” Saran said.

    On the issue of India buying Russian oil and the West calling on developing countries to cut energy imports from Russia, he said India has already decided and will continue to import oil from wherever it suits its budget and from where it can find the resources to satisfy its domestic needs.

    Noting that terrorism got only a fleeting reference in the Bali declaration, Saran said it is clear that terrorism as a concern seems to have fallen off the global agenda but that is not the case so far as India is concerned.

    “We have the twin challenges of the Taliban-led Afghanistan and the deep state of Pakistan. Whether and how much we try to bring terrorism into the forefront of the G20 agenda has to be seen and depends on developments on the ground,” he added.

    Talking about the Ukraine conflict and India’s role going forward as president of the G20, Saran asserted that the grouping is an economic forum, not political.

    “Having said that India enjoys a unique position in the world where it has developed enough equities to talk to all sides — whether it is Russia, Ukraine, US or Europe. So as president we can play the role of introducing some sanity and rationality into the world order,” he said.

    India will assume the presidency of the powerful grouping from the current chair Indonesia on December 1.

    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.

    NEW DELHI: Dealing with China would be a “challenge” for India during its G20 presidency and New Delhi would adopt a “cautious approach” towards Beijing, judging it by its deeds and not words, former deputy national security advisor Pankaj Saran said on Sunday.

    In an interview with PTI, Saran also said India would expect that China recognises it as a rising power and deals with it on equal terms.

    He said India’s number one priority during its upcoming G20 presidency should be to restore the economic order that provides stability and creates an atmosphere conducive to the growth of an economy such as itself.

    India should focus on bringing a semblance of sanity back into the global order, said Saran, who is a member of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).

    ALSO READ | India must utilise G20 presidency by focusing on global good: PM Modi

    Saran said another important priority for India during its presidency would be to address the issues of concern to the developing world such as energy security, food security, climate security, and to see how India’s voice and perspective can be infused into the G20.

    He said that unfortunately the entire G20 agenda which is essentially economic has been “weaponised” by the advanced economies.

    “So because of the (Ukraine) conflict today we are confronted with weaponisation of economic and financial transactions in the world… and the fault for this lies both on the advanced western economies as well as Russia, and the victims are developing countries like India,” he said.

    Saran asserted that another key priority for India would be the issue of reform of multilateral international organisations and institutions as they, in the current state, do not reflect contemporary realities, he said.

    Saran said the formulation -today’s era must not be of war- that was adopted at the G20 summit in Bali earlier this month was an echo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message to Russian President Vladimir Putin in the wake of the Ukraine conflict and reflected India’s growing clout at the world stage.

    “It is rare that an Indian perspective is recognised by a powerful grouping like the G20. India’s role enabled the G20 to find a consensus on this issue,” said Saran, who was the deputy NSA from September 1, 2018 to December 31, 2021.

    Asked about how India would perform the balancing act as G20 president with China as one of the prominent members of the grouping, Saran said, “This is going to be a challenge for Indian diplomacy and it is also going to be a challenge for China as to how it chooses to deal with India because it has no option but to deal with India as the G20 president.”

    “Not just at the summit level but there are several meetings as part of the Indian G20 presidency,” he noted.

    ALSO READ | Ahead of G20, India placed at best among G20 countries on Climate Change Performances

    “In each of the meetings, India is going to be in the chair, so China also has to take some tough decisions on how it wishes to approach and support or not support India’s presidency,” Saran said.

    “Obviously President (Xi Jinping) is going to be invited for the Summit and China will be invited for all the other meetings. You just have to hope that China understands and recognises that India is a rising economy, it is a rising power,” Saran told PTI.

    “China has to accept and deal with India on terms which are equal, which give respect to India, and it translates its words into deeds on how it respects India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, adheres to the agreements on peace and tranquillity at the border and also respects India’s core national interests,” he said.

    China has to do all that and also ensure that it restores the status quo which existed before April 2020, Saran said.

    “I think the approach to China is going to be cautious, we will judge them by their deeds not by the words and this is an opportunity for China to prove that it genuinely desires to live in peace with India based on the established principles of international law,” Saran said.

    On the issue of India buying Russian oil and the West calling on developing countries to cut energy imports from Russia, he said India has already decided and will continue to import oil from wherever it suits its budget and from where it can find the resources to satisfy its domestic needs.

    Noting that terrorism got only a fleeting reference in the Bali declaration, Saran said it is clear that terrorism as a concern seems to have fallen off the global agenda but that is not the case so far as India is concerned.

    “We have the twin challenges of the Taliban-led Afghanistan and the deep state of Pakistan. Whether and how much we try to bring terrorism into the forefront of the G20 agenda has to be seen and depends on developments on the ground,” he added.

    Talking about the Ukraine conflict and India’s role going forward as president of the G20, Saran asserted that the grouping is an economic forum, not political.

    “Having said that India enjoys a unique position in the world where it has developed enough equities to talk to all sides — whether it is Russia, Ukraine, US or Europe. So as president we can play the role of introducing some sanity and rationality into the world order,” he said.

    India will assume the presidency of the powerful grouping from the current chair Indonesia on December 1.

    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.

  • India must utilise G20 presidency by focusing on global good: PM Modi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: As India readies to assume the presidency of the “powerful” G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country should focus on global good during its term and asserted that it has solutions to the challenges related to peace, unity, environment and sustainable development.

    India will officially assume the G20 presidency from the current chair Indonesia on December 1.

    Noting that assuming the G20 presidency is a “big opportunity” for India, Modi said the theme that India has given is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ which shows its commitment to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (world is one family).

    “The G20 has a partnership comprising two-thirds of the world’s population, three-fourths of world trade, and 85 per cent of world GDP. You can imagine India is going to preside over such a big group, such a powerful group, from December 1,” he said during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme.

    “What a great opportunity has come for India, for every Indian! This becomes even more special because India was awarded this responsibility during ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal’ (75th year of India’s Independence),” the prime minister said.

    The presidency of the G-20 has arrived as a big opportunity for India and it has to make full use of this opportunity and focus on the global good and welfare of the world.

    “Whether it is peace or unity, sensitivity towards the environment, or sustainable development, India has solutions to challenges related to these,” he said.

    In his 95th Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi hailed a “unique gift” from a weaver from Telangana, Hariprasad, who sent the PM a G20 logo woven with his own hands.

    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.

    Talking about India’s upcoming G20 presidency, Modi said there should be the welfare of all, peace for all, fulfilment for all and well-being for all.

    In the coming days, many programmes related to G-20 will be organised in different parts of the country, he noted.

    “During this period, people from different parts of the world will get a chance to visit your states. I am sure that you will bring the diverse and distinctive colours of your culture to the world and you also have to remember that the people coming to the G-20, even if they come now as delegates, are tourists of the future,” he said in his address.

    He also urged people especially the youth to join the G20 in one way or the other.ALSO READ | Friend-shoring and India’s G20 presidency

    Modi also hailed the development last week of India sending its first such rocket into space that was designed and prepared by the country’s private sector.

    “The name of this rocket is ‘Vikram-S’. As soon as this first rocket of the indigenous Space Start-up made a historic flight from Sriharikota, the heart of every Indian swelled with pride,” the prime minister noted.

    He said India is sharing its success in the space sector with its neighbouring countries as well. Just on Saturday, India launched a satellite, which has been jointly developed by India and Bhutan, he pointed out.

    He said India is also moving fast in the field of drones and noted how apples were transported through drones in Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh some days ago.

    Talking about advancements in the field of music, Modi said in the last eight years the export of musical instruments from India has increased by three-and-a-half times. “Our forms of music have not only enriched our culture but have also left an indelible mark on the music of the world,” Modi said. The fame of Indian music has spread to every corner of the world, he added.

    Asserting that it is our responsibility to preserve our traditions and traditional knowledge, Modi cited the example of Nagaland. The lifestyle of the Naga community, their art, culture and music attract everyone, he said.

    In order to save these traditions and skills and pass them on to the next generation, the people there have formed an organisation named ‘Lidi-Cro-U’. The organisation has undertaken the work of reviving beautiful facets of Naga culture which were on the verge of being lost, he said.

    In his broadcast, Modi also lauded the efforts of Jatin Lalit Singh from Bansa village in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi in the field of education. “I have come to know that it had started a ‘Community Library and Resource Centre’ there two years ago,” he said.

    Modi also hailed the efforts of Sanjay Kashyap from Jharkhand, who has come to be known as the ‘Library Man’ among children in many districts of Jharkhand. “His mission to open a library is taking the form of a social movement today,” the prime minister said.

    He said the world of medical science has made a lot of progress with the help of research and innovation as well as state-of-the-art technology and equipment, but some diseases, even today, remain a big challenge.

    “One such disease is – Muscular Dystrophy! It is mainly a genetic disease that can occur at any age, in which the muscles of the body begin to weaken. It becomes difficult for the patient to do even his small tasks. The treatment and care of such patients require a great sense of service,” he said.

    “We have such a centre at Solan in Himachal Pradesh, which has become a new ray of hope for the patients of Muscular Dystrophy,” Modi said.

    He pointed out that the challenge associated with Muscular Dystrophy is also a lack of awareness about it. “I heartily appreciate all the people trying in this direction, as well as wish the best for recovery of all the people suffering from Muscular Dystrophy,” Modi said.ALSO READ | Ahead of G20, India placed at best among G20 countries on Climate Change Performances

    NEW DELHI: As India readies to assume the presidency of the “powerful” G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the country should focus on global good during its term and asserted that it has solutions to the challenges related to peace, unity, environment and sustainable development.

    India will officially assume the G20 presidency from the current chair Indonesia on December 1.

    Noting that assuming the G20 presidency is a “big opportunity” for India, Modi said the theme that India has given is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ which shows its commitment to ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (world is one family).

    “The G20 has a partnership comprising two-thirds of the world’s population, three-fourths of world trade, and 85 per cent of world GDP. You can imagine India is going to preside over such a big group, such a powerful group, from December 1,” he said during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme.

    “What a great opportunity has come for India, for every Indian! This becomes even more special because India was awarded this responsibility during ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal’ (75th year of India’s Independence),” the prime minister said.

    The presidency of the G-20 has arrived as a big opportunity for India and it has to make full use of this opportunity and focus on the global good and welfare of the world.

    “Whether it is peace or unity, sensitivity towards the environment, or sustainable development, India has solutions to challenges related to these,” he said.

    In his 95th Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi hailed a “unique gift” from a weaver from Telangana, Hariprasad, who sent the PM a G20 logo woven with his own hands.

    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.

    Talking about India’s upcoming G20 presidency, Modi said there should be the welfare of all, peace for all, fulfilment for all and well-being for all.

    In the coming days, many programmes related to G-20 will be organised in different parts of the country, he noted.

    “During this period, people from different parts of the world will get a chance to visit your states. I am sure that you will bring the diverse and distinctive colours of your culture to the world and you also have to remember that the people coming to the G-20, even if they come now as delegates, are tourists of the future,” he said in his address.

    He also urged people especially the youth to join the G20 in one way or the other.ALSO READ | Friend-shoring and India’s G20 presidency

    Modi also hailed the development last week of India sending its first such rocket into space that was designed and prepared by the country’s private sector.

    “The name of this rocket is ‘Vikram-S’. As soon as this first rocket of the indigenous Space Start-up made a historic flight from Sriharikota, the heart of every Indian swelled with pride,” the prime minister noted.

    He said India is sharing its success in the space sector with its neighbouring countries as well. Just on Saturday, India launched a satellite, which has been jointly developed by India and Bhutan, he pointed out.

    He said India is also moving fast in the field of drones and noted how apples were transported through drones in Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh some days ago.

    Talking about advancements in the field of music, Modi said in the last eight years the export of musical instruments from India has increased by three-and-a-half times. “Our forms of music have not only enriched our culture but have also left an indelible mark on the music of the world,” Modi said. The fame of Indian music has spread to every corner of the world, he added.

    Asserting that it is our responsibility to preserve our traditions and traditional knowledge, Modi cited the example of Nagaland. The lifestyle of the Naga community, their art, culture and music attract everyone, he said.

    In order to save these traditions and skills and pass them on to the next generation, the people there have formed an organisation named ‘Lidi-Cro-U’. The organisation has undertaken the work of reviving beautiful facets of Naga culture which were on the verge of being lost, he said.

    In his broadcast, Modi also lauded the efforts of Jatin Lalit Singh from Bansa village in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi in the field of education. “I have come to know that it had started a ‘Community Library and Resource Centre’ there two years ago,” he said.

    Modi also hailed the efforts of Sanjay Kashyap from Jharkhand, who has come to be known as the ‘Library Man’ among children in many districts of Jharkhand. “His mission to open a library is taking the form of a social movement today,” the prime minister said.

    He said the world of medical science has made a lot of progress with the help of research and innovation as well as state-of-the-art technology and equipment, but some diseases, even today, remain a big challenge.

    “One such disease is – Muscular Dystrophy! It is mainly a genetic disease that can occur at any age, in which the muscles of the body begin to weaken. It becomes difficult for the patient to do even his small tasks. The treatment and care of such patients require a great sense of service,” he said.

    “We have such a centre at Solan in Himachal Pradesh, which has become a new ray of hope for the patients of Muscular Dystrophy,” Modi said.

    He pointed out that the challenge associated with Muscular Dystrophy is also a lack of awareness about it. “I heartily appreciate all the people trying in this direction, as well as wish the best for recovery of all the people suffering from Muscular Dystrophy,” Modi said.ALSO READ | Ahead of G20, India placed at best among G20 countries on Climate Change Performances

  • Will discuss key issues of global concern with G20 leaders in Bali: PM Modi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he will hold extensive discussions with G20 leaders in Bali on key challenges such as reviving global growth, ensuring food and energy security and addressing issues relating to health and digital transformation.

    In a statement ahead of his visit to the Indonesian city for the G20 leaders’ summit, Modi said he will also highlight India’s achievements and its “unwavering commitment” to collectively address key global issues.

    The prime minister is travelling to Bali on late Monday afternoon on a three-day visit to participate in the summit that is expected to discuss pressing global challenges including implications of the Ukraine conflict, especially on food and energy security.

    The summit is set to be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron among others.

    “During the Bali summit, I will have extensive discussions with other G20 leaders on key issues of global concern, such as reviving global growth, food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation,” Modi said.

    READ HERE | PM Modi likely to have bilateral with Biden, Sunak at G20 Summit

    The prime minister said he would also highlight India’s achievements, and its “unwavering commitment” to collectively address global challenges, during the summit.

    The G20 is an influential bloc for global economic cooperation as it represents around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

    The prime minister also referred to India’s upcoming presidency of the G20 grouping.

    “In a significant moment for our country and citizens, President of Indonesia Joko Widodo will hand over the G20 Presidency to India at the closing ceremony of the Bali Summit,” the prime minister said.

    “India will officially assume the G20 Presidency from 1st December 2022. I will also extend my personal invitation to G20 Members and other invitees to our G20 summit next year,” he said.

    Modi said India’s G20 Presidency will be grounded in the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

    “During my interactions at the G20 summit, I will highlight India’s achievements, and our unwavering commitment to collectively address global challenges,” Modi said.

    “India’s G20 Presidency will be grounded in the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, which underlines the message of equitable growth and shared future for all,” he added.

    COLUMN | For G20 To Be Relevant: A 5 Point Agenda

    The prime minister said he was also looking forward to addressing the Indian community in Bali at a reception on Tuesday.

    “On the sidelines of the G20 summit, I will meet with leaders of several other participating countries, and review the progress in India’s bilateral relations with them,” he noted.

    The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies.

    It 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).

    India is currently part of the G20 Troika (current, previous and incoming G20 Presidencies) comprising Indonesia, Italy and India.

    The prime minister is attending the summit at the invitation of the Indonesian President.

    Indonesia is the current chair of the G-20.

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he will hold extensive discussions with G20 leaders in Bali on key challenges such as reviving global growth, ensuring food and energy security and addressing issues relating to health and digital transformation.

    In a statement ahead of his visit to the Indonesian city for the G20 leaders’ summit, Modi said he will also highlight India’s achievements and its “unwavering commitment” to collectively address key global issues.

    The prime minister is travelling to Bali on late Monday afternoon on a three-day visit to participate in the summit that is expected to discuss pressing global challenges including implications of the Ukraine conflict, especially on food and energy security.

    The summit is set to be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron among others.

    “During the Bali summit, I will have extensive discussions with other G20 leaders on key issues of global concern, such as reviving global growth, food and energy security, environment, health, and digital transformation,” Modi said.

    READ HERE | PM Modi likely to have bilateral with Biden, Sunak at G20 Summit

    The prime minister said he would also highlight India’s achievements, and its “unwavering commitment” to collectively address global challenges, during the summit.

    The G20 is an influential bloc for global economic cooperation as it represents around 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

    The prime minister also referred to India’s upcoming presidency of the G20 grouping.

    “In a significant moment for our country and citizens, President of Indonesia Joko Widodo will hand over the G20 Presidency to India at the closing ceremony of the Bali Summit,” the prime minister said.

    “India will officially assume the G20 Presidency from 1st December 2022. I will also extend my personal invitation to G20 Members and other invitees to our G20 summit next year,” he said.

    Modi said India’s G20 Presidency will be grounded in the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

    “During my interactions at the G20 summit, I will highlight India’s achievements, and our unwavering commitment to collectively address global challenges,” Modi said.

    “India’s G20 Presidency will be grounded in the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, which underlines the message of equitable growth and shared future for all,” he added.

    COLUMN | For G20 To Be Relevant: A 5 Point Agenda

    The prime minister said he was also looking forward to addressing the Indian community in Bali at a reception on Tuesday.

    “On the sidelines of the G20 summit, I will meet with leaders of several other participating countries, and review the progress in India’s bilateral relations with them,” he noted.

    The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies.

    It 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).

    India is currently part of the G20 Troika (current, previous and incoming G20 Presidencies) comprising Indonesia, Italy and India.

    The prime minister is attending the summit at the invitation of the Indonesian President.

    Indonesia is the current chair of the G-20.