G20 Summit: Attendees and Absentees Revealed

The upcoming G20 Summit, themed “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” translating to “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” is generating significant attention as world leaders prepare to gather in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. This 18th G20 Summit marks India’s inaugural presidency of the event.

Preparations for this global assembly are in full swing, with the national capital making arrangements for the event. From September 8 to 10, all central government offices, banks, and financial institutions in the city will be closed. Additionally, educational institutions, government offices, and private establishments throughout the city will remain shut for the three-day period, as announced by the General Administration Department (GAD) of the Delhi government.

The Group of 20 (G20), founded in 1999, is composed of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, and the US, alongside the European Union.

Attendance Roster:

• United States: President Joe Biden is set to attend the summit, and his itinerary includes discussions with fellow G20 leaders about critical global issues. These issues encompass the transition to clean energy, addressing climate change, managing the impacts of the Ukraine conflict, and bolstering the capabilities of multilateral development banks.
• United Kingdom: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will be present at the summit. Besides his participation in the collective discussions, he is expected to engage in a separate bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to deliberate on UK-India trade negotiations.
• Republic of Korea: President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea will be among the attendees. The South Korean government strongly supports India’s G20 presidency and anticipates the summit to be the highlight of these efforts.
• France: President Emmanuel Macron will also be present. During the event, he will be staying at Claridges hotel in New Delhi.
• China: Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and stay at the Taj Hotel. China’s delegation is expected to include 46 vehicles.
• Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed his participation. He affirmed Canada’s solidarity with Ukraine and its stance on the global stage.
• Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will join the summit on September 9 and 10, as communicated by the Australian government.
• Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will represent Bangladesh at the summit. There are hopes for a bilateral meeting between Prime Ministers Modi and Hasina.
• Russia: President Vladimir Putin won’t attend the G20 Summit in person; instead, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will represent Russia.

Notable Absences:

Several nations have yet to confirm their attendance at the G20 Summit, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Germany, Indonesia, Brazil, and Argentina.

Travel Disruptions:

Preparations for the G20 Summit have led to the cancellation of around 160 domestic flights to and from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport between September 8 and 10 due to traffic restrictions imposed in the capital for the event.