New Delhi, Sept 04: In a diplomatic turn of events that has garnered global attention, U.S. President Joe Biden is gearing up for his visit to India this week to participate in the G20 Summit. While President Biden looks forward to the trip, there is a notable sense of disappointment surrounding the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping from the upcoming summit in New Delhi. In this article, we delve into the implications of this development, the significance of the G20 Summit, and the current state of participation from world leaders.
Biden’s India Visit and G20 Participation
The White House officially announced that President Joe Biden will embark on a journey to India on September 7 to partake in the G20 Summit, which holds immense importance on the global stage. During his visit, President Biden is also scheduled to engage in a bilateral meeting with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding a further layer of significance to the trip.
India, as the current President of the G20, is set to host this year’s annual summit of the influential grouping in New Delhi on September 9 and 10. This gathering of world leaders is expected to facilitate vital discussions and collaborations on a wide range of global issues, including economic recovery post-COVID-19, climate change, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Anticipation Amid Disappointment
In the lead-up to his trip, President Biden was questioned by reporters on his feelings regarding visits to both India and Vietnam. Responding with enthusiasm, he declared, “Yes, I am,” underscoring the significance of his visit to India and participation in the G20 Summit.
However, amidst this anticipation, there is a palpable sense of disappointment stemming from the absence of China’s President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. When questioned about this notable omission, President Biden expressed his disappointment, stating, “I am disappointed, but I am going to get to see him.” The absence of President Xi, a significant global leader, raises questions about the dynamics of the summit and the discussions that will take place.
China’s Uncertain Participation
Recent media reports have hinted at the unlikelihood of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the G20 Summit. This has raised concerns and questions about the composition of the summit and its effectiveness in addressing pressing global issues.
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India, as the host, has been keenly awaiting a written confirmation from China regarding President Xi’s participation in the G20 Leaders Summit. Muktesh Pardeshi, Special Secretary for G20, emphasized the importance of formal communication in international diplomacy, stating, “We have seen some reports in the newspapers. But, we go by written confirmation. And we have not seen (a written confirmation). Unless we see that, I am not in a position to say either way.”
Reports suggest that in lieu of President Xi, Prime Minister Li Qiang may represent China at the summit. Premier Li is expected to travel to India following his participation in the East Asia Summit in Jakarta. Notably, in 2021, Chinese President Xi did not attend the G20 summit in Italy due to COVID-19 restrictions in China.
The Role of Diplomacy
The participation of world leaders in international summits, such as the G20, is typically conveyed through diplomatic channels. Muktesh Pardeshi stressed the importance of following these established protocols, noting, “I think that is awaited…We have received most of the other confirmations.”
Despite the uncertainties surrounding China’s representation at the summit, several prominent leaders have already confirmed their participation. This includes leaders from the United States, France, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Brazil, among others. The transition of the G20 Presidency is also set to take place during the summit, with Prime Minister Modi handing over the baton to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on September 10.
The Significance of the G20 Summit
The G20, comprising 19 individual countries and the European Union, represents a substantial portion of the global economy, trade, and population. Collectively, the G20 member countries account for approximately 85 percent of the global GDP, over 75 percent of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population. This makes the G20 a vital platform for international cooperation and decision-making.
The upcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi is poised to serve as a crucial forum for discussions on a wide array of pressing global issues. With the world still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing challenges related to climate change, sustainable development, and geopolitical tensions, the role of global leaders and their collaborative efforts cannot be overstated.
As President Biden eagerly anticipates his visit to India and participation in the G20 Summit, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a topic of disappointment and speculation. The coming together of world leaders at this significant summit offers an opportunity for international cooperation and dialogue on pressing global challenges.
However, the uncertainty surrounding China’s participation underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations on the global stage. The outcomes and significance of the G20 Summit will undoubtedly be influenced by the presence or absence of leaders like Presidents Biden and Xi, making their participation a matter of paramount global interest.
