U.S. President Joe Biden En Route to India for G20 Summit, Focuses on Global Issues
U.S. President Joe Biden embarked on a journey to India on Thursday to participate in the historic G20 Summit in New Delhi, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The White House has confirmed that President Biden will adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during his visit to India for the G20 Summit.
It’s worth noting that the initial phase of vote counting in the Puthuppally by-election shows UDF candidate Chandy Oommen in the lead. This comes after First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. President Biden, who tested negative for the virus following his wife’s positive test, is undertaking this journey to India without her. Traveling alongside the U.S. President aboard Air Force One are key officials, including U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Deputy Chief of Staff Jen O’Malley Dillon, among others.
The President’s visit to India marks his first as the leader of the United States. During this trip, he aims to contribute to the success of the G-20 Summit and advocate for significant issues such as climate change and reforms within international institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Notably, President Biden will welcome the African Union as a G20 member, a move supported by world leaders.
A bilateral meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi is expected to take place, where they will review progress on decisions made during Prime Minister Modi’s official state visit to Washington in June. Discussions may encompass topics like Ukraine, critical technology developments, and previously announced deals involving General Atomics drones and General Electric jet engines.
The G20 Summit agenda includes sessions on topics like “One Earth” and “One Family.” President Biden will also participate in a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event and conclude the day with a dinner and cultural program alongside other G20 leaders. Prior to departing for Hanoi, Vietnam, the President will visit the Raj Ghat Memorial with fellow G20 leaders.
The focus of President Biden’s participation in the G20 Summit will be on fostering economic opportunities for developing nations, advancing priorities such as climate action and technology, and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the G20 as a forum for addressing global challenges.
Other world leaders attending the summit include French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Prime Minister Modi will transfer the G20 Presidency to Brazilian President Lula on September 10, with Brazil formally assuming the role on December 1. The G20 includes countries like 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.
