LEADERS of the world's wealthiest and most influential nations are set to convene at the two-day G20 Summit in India's capital, New Delhi, commencing on Saturday (9).
This marks India's inaugural hosting of this prestigious assembly of global leaders. The capital city has been adorned with ornate flowers and fountains adorning traffic roundabouts, while public buildings and sidewalks have received a fresh coat of paint.
What is the G20?
The G20 emerged as an economic alliance of the world's 20 major countries in response to the Asian financial crisis in 1999. It was formed on the understanding that such crises could no longer be confined within a single nation's borders and necessitated enhanced international economic collaboration.
The bloc presently represents 80 percent of global gross domestic production (GDP) and 75 percent of international trade. Its member nations encompass Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.
Who is attending?
The following leaders are among those participating in the gathering in New Delhi: US president Joe Biden, president of Argentina Alberto Fernandez, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese, president of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, British prime minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, French president Emmanuel Macron, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Council Charles Michel, among others.
Notable absentees
Chinese president Xi Jinping (represented by premier Li Qiang), Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and Russian president Vladimir Putin (represented by foreign minister Sergei Lavrov) will not be in attendance.
A G20 logo with the theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'-One Earth, One Family, One Future, is placed at the International Media Centre at Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi. (ANI Photo/Mohd Zakir)
One new participant!
This year's summit will feature one new participant - Bangladesh. India's neighboring country will make its debut at a G20 event and is the sole South Asian nation invited to New Delhi for this bloc's meeting.
Key events during the summit
Friday: UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres will host a press conference in New Delhi, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi will engage in discussions with Joe Biden, Modi will also hold talks with Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Mauritius prime minister Kumar Jugnauth.
Saturday: The G20 Summit officially commences, leaders will arrive at the venue in New Delhi and pose for welcome photographs with Modi, two summit sessions will be conducted, followed by a dinner for leaders and delegation heads.
Sunday: Leaders will pay their respects with wreaths at Mahatma Gandhi's tomb in New Delhi, a tree-planting ceremony will take place at the summit venue, the declaration will be adopted, the summit will conclude with a press conference by Indian foreign minister Jaishankar and Sherpa Amitabh Kant in the evening.
How has the bloc evolved over the years?
Initially, only treasury officials met, but following the 2008 financial crisis, heads of all member nations decided to convene annually for a leaders' summit. The G20 Summit is held each year under the leadership of a rotating presidency. Its agenda has expanded over the years, encompassing trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.
Key issues this year
Under India's year-long presidency, discussions will center around increasing loans to developing nations from multilateral institutions, reforming international debt architecture, regulating cryptocurrencies, and addressing the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on food and energy security. The Indian Presidency will also highlight "Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)," emphasizing environmentally sustainable choices at both individual and national levels to achieve a cleaner, greener future.
'The world is one family'
India's G20 theme is derived from the Sanskrit phrase 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,' which translates to 'The world is one family.'
Security
For this year's summit, security measures include anti-drone systems and the deployment of 130,000 police and paramilitary personnel. Additionally, cutouts of langurs have been installed to deter monkeys.
Next summit host
India will pass the presidency to Brazil on December 1.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)