Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing to host a virtual G20 leaders’ summit, focusing on the execution of the Delhi Declaration as India’s presidency concludes. The upcoming virtual meeting is anticipated to have a similar participation of global leaders as witnessed during the in-person summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 9-10. Sherpa Amitabh Kant emphasized the rarity and exceptionality of holding a virtual G20 summit after a physical one, signifying a unique effort to translate the guidance provided by participating leaders into tangible actions for a fair and just world.
The primary objective of the virtual summit is to drive the implementation of the Delhi Declaration, a comprehensive and decisive commitment made by all members during the 18th G20 leaders’ summit held in New Delhi in September. Kant underscored the significance of this declaration, portraying the G20 leaders’ commitment to addressing global challenges ambitiously and inclusively. The virtual summit serves as an opportunity to uphold this commitment and propel concrete actions.
During the closing session of the New Delhi summit on September 10, Prime Minister Modi announced the hosting of a virtual summit. Invitations have been extended to leaders of G20 nations, the chair of the African Union, nine guest countries, and heads of 11 international organizations. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, addressing the matter earlier, stressed the importance of maintaining momentum on the policy guidance outlined in the New Delhi Declaration through engagement with G20 nations.
India’s G20 presidency, which began on December 1 last year and concludes on November 30, has been characterized by Prime Minister Modi’s call for a fundamental mindset shift for the benefit of humanity. India will continue to be part of the G20 troika, along with Brazil and South Africa, during the Brazilian G20 presidency in 2024. The G20, a forum for international economic cooperation, comprises 19 countries along with the European Union, representing a substantial portion of global GDP, trade, and population. Under India’s presidency, additional guest countries were included, expanding the collaborative efforts to address pressing global issues.
