New Delhi, September 8, 2023 – The stage has been set for the 18th G20 Summit, scheduled to begin tomorrow in New Delhi, where an impressive lineup of global leaders will converge to address critical global challenges. Notable arrivals include US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, among others. The summit promises discussions on a range of pressing issues, from food and energy security to clean energy transition and climate change, during its two-day duration.
Innovative Digital Payment Infrastructure Takes Center Stage:
India, as the G20 Presidency host, is using this platform to assert its role as a global powerhouse, with a significant emphasis on the transformation of Digital Payment Infrastructure. G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant highlighted the broad acceptance of digital payments as a means to achieve financial inclusion, revealing that the New Delhi Leaders Declaration is nearly finalized and will reflect the voices and aspirations of the global south and developing countries.
India’s Key Priorities: Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Action:
Mr. Kant also outlined India’s key priorities, which encompass sustainable development goals and climate action, aligning with the collective efforts to address climate change and achieve global sustainability targets.
African Union’s Potential Inclusion:
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra expressed India’s hope for the summit to reach a suitable decision regarding the inclusion of the African Union in the G-20 bloc. Despite concerns over the Ukraine conflict affecting an agreement on the New Delhi Declaration, India remains optimistic about achieving a consensus among G20 members.
Economic Benefits for India:
G-20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla noted the significant economic benefits India is gaining from hosting the G20 Summit, with extensive participation from across the nation. Over 100,000 visitors from 125 nationalities have come to India, experiencing a new and vibrant India.
Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Inclusive Development:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the New Delhi G-20 Summit would chart a path toward human-centric and inclusive development. In bilateral meetings held today with US President Joe Biden, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, discussions centered on strengthening cooperation and diversifying ties across various sectors, reflecting India’s inclusive and ambitious approach.
Upcoming Bilateral Meetings:
Prime Minister Modi’s busy schedule includes further bilateral meetings with leaders from the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and Italy, along with engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, Canada, Comoros, Türkiye, UAE, South Korea, European Union, European Commission, Brazil, and Nigeria in the coming days.
The 18th G20 Summit, scheduled to begin tomorrow, promises to be a pivotal event in shaping global strategies and fostering international cooperation, with India’s innovative approach to digital payments and commitment to sustainable development taking the spotlight.