PM Modi welcomes world leaders to G20 summit in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the leaders of Bangladesh, Australia, Canada, and Mauritius at the Bharat Mandapam venue at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on Saturday. The leaders arrived one by one and were greeted by PM Modi in the backdrop of the Konark Wheel from Odisha.

The first session of the G20 Summit, titled “One Earth,” began at 10:30 am. This session will focus on accelerating climate action through increased mitigation and strengthening the agenda of global net zero emission as soon as possible.

The theme of this year’s G20 Summit is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which means “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” The theme is drawn from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad and affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms – and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe.

After the conclusion of the “One Earth” session, there will be a lunch break followed by another session titled “One Family.” At 7 pm, President Droupadi Murmu will host a dinner for the leaders and delegates.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the summit. China will be represented by Premier Li Qiang, while Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

This is the first time that India is hosting the G20 Summit. Extensive preparations have been made to showcase India’s traditions and strengths. During the presidency, India has focused on various issues like inclusive growth, digital innovation, climate resilience, and equitable global health access. By leveraging its presidency, India is fostering collaborative solutions that benefit its own population and contribute to the broader global well-being.