Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration and announced its adoption. The Prime Minister, who is chairing the G20 sessions, congratulated the Sherpas and ministers who had worked towards forging the consensus. "I have received good news. Due to the hard work of our team, consensus has been built on New Delhi G20 Leaders' Summit Declaration. My proposal is to adopt this leadership declaration. I announce to adopt this declaration. On this occasion, I congratulate my Sherpa, ministers, who worked hard for it and made it possible,” he said. The announcement of adoption of the declaration was welcomed with thumping of desks.   In his opening remarks at the Summit, the Prime Minister said that the 21st century is a time that has the potential to give a new direction to the entire world. “It's a time when years old challenges demand new solutions from us. Therefore, we must move forward by fulfilling all our responsibilities with a Human Centric approach,” he said.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina held a bilateral talk in New Delhi on Friday, the two countries also signed three memorandum of understanding (MoUs), including one on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanisms. "The MoU on cooperation in Digital Payment mechanism was signed between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Bangladesh Bank," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official release.  Another MoU focused on the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) between India and Bangladesh for 2023-2025. The third MoU was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council (BARC).  PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina also looked forward to beginning of negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), covering trade in goods, and services, and protecting and promoting investment, the MEA release said. The full range of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation, border management, trade and connectivity, water resources, power and energy, development collaboration, and cultural and people-to-people linkages, was discussed by the two leaders. Discussions also included recent regional developments and collaboration in international fora.

The highly anticipated historic G20 Leader's Summit begins today, September 9, in the country's capital city. The world leaders including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have arrived in Delhi have gathered at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The first session of the G20 Summit would begin at around 10:30 am under this year's theme 'One Earth'. This global meeting, a culmination of various ministries, meetings and the engagement of different groups that happened throughout the year, aims to address key issues around the globe.

United States President Joe Biden is traveling to Vietnam next month for a meeting with the leader of the ruling Communist Party Nguyen Phu Trong and other Vietnamese leaders, the White House announced on Monday. Biden will arrive in Hanoi on September 10 after attending the annual summit of the G20 leaders in India. The one-day in Vietnam comes as Washington seeks to counter China's influence in the region. "The leaders will explore opportunities to promote the growth of a technology-focused and innovation-driven Vietnamese economy," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. The meeting will also focus on "education exchanges and workforce development programs," combating climate change, and increasing peace, prosperity, and stability in the region," the statement said. Building partnership despite difficult past Biden had announced in early August that he would soon be traveling to Vietnam, saying that Hanoi "wants to change our relationship and become a partner." The US, for years has sought to strengthen relations with Vietnam. Biden and Trong spoke by phone in March, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited the southeast Asian nation one month later. Washington considers Hanoi one of its top partners in the region, especially as the memory of the Vietnam War fades. However, Vietnam must also weigh any reaction by a powerful neighbor, China. Trong last year became the first foreign leader to meet President Xi Jinping in Beijing after the Chinese leader secured a precedent-breaking third term. US and Vietnam share concerns about China In addition to increasingly close trade links, the US and Vietnam both share concern over China's growing strength. Friction has been increasing for years between Beijing and Southeast Asian nations, particularly Vietnam and the Philippines, over China's sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea. The White House also announced that to mark the the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

British Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will launch the 'Alive with Opportunity' campaign, which is designed to build on the UK and India’s strong bilateral relationship and boost trade and investment, during her ongoing visit to Jaipur.  According to a statement released by the UK government, the Trade Secretary, who is in India to attend G20 trade ministers, will launch the campaign during her three-day visit to India. This campaign aims to stimulate interest and demand for British goods and services and attract new Indian inward investment. After attending the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in Jaipur, she will fly to New Delhi for a parallel business-focused Business 20 summit, in addition to meetings with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the Tata Group Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran. Before departing for India, Badenoch said, “I’m delighted to be returning to India to support their G20 Presidency, further our trade talks and meet key business leaders. The UK and India have a thriving relationship and we both share an ambition to deepen our cultural and trading ties." “India is the UK’s second biggest source of investment projects and I’m confident this new campaign will help boost interest in and demand for UK goods and services even further," she added.  Further, as per the statement, the UK government will launch 'Alive with Opportunity', a 1.5 million pound marketing campaign designed to build on the UK and India’s strong and enduring relationship, boost trade and investment, and promote the powerful cultural links between the two countries. "New Department for Business and Trade (DBT) data shows India is the UK’s 2nd largest source of investment projects, with 118 new projects in the last financial year creating 8,384 new jobs," the statement read.  "More than 900 Indian businesses operate in the UK, and more than 600 UK businesses are finding success in India supporting more than half a million jobs across both countries," it added.  The 'Alive with Opportunity' campaign will celebrate business, trade, cultural and sporting links between the UK and India, taking advantage of major moments such as India’s hosting of the Cricket World Cup and the England-India test series starting in January. Advertisements promoting the UK will feature across billboards, in airports and across social media channels backed by a series of targeted trade missions, promotional events and marketing activations in both countries. The campaign aims to bring to life the concept of the ‘living bridge’, a phrase popularised by Prime Minister Modi to describe the relationship between the two countries based on a continuous exchange of people, ideas and culture. Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis, in a statement released by the UK High Commission, said, “The UK-India bilateral trading relationship is already worth Rs. 3.5 lakh crores; there is high ambition on both sides to increase this significantly. From the comprehensive trade deal we are negotiating to the vibrant living bridge that spans education, culture, sports and much more besides. We are bringing our people even closer together to create prosperity and jobs for both countries; this is a partnership that is alive with opportunity.” At the G20 meet, Secretary Badenoch will pitch for greater deployment of digital trade, which will cut red tape and make it easier for UK businesses of all sizes to buy and sell internationally. During her visit to New Delhi, she will meet the leaders of some of India’s major businesses, across a range of sectors, including BP, HSBC, Vodafone, Rolls Royce and Confederation of Indian Industry on Friday. She will also hold a meeting with Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, following their announcement last month of a new 4-billion pound gigafactory in the UK. Her visit coincides with Round 12 of talks for an ambitious and comprehensive trade deal with India. She will meet with her counterpart, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, to take stock of bilateral negotiations and reach a consensus on carrying forward a deal to boost bilateral trade, which was estimated to be worth 36 billion pounds last year.

The G20 also has the unique opportunity of advancing financial inclusion and productivity through Digital Public Infrastructure to encompass farmers, small businesses, and to build a framework for a global ecosystem, the PM said. The G20 nations must have conviction, commitment, coordination and collaboration to face challenges of security threats in the digital economy and responsible use of artificial intelligence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the G20 working group of ministers on digital economy on Saturday. “As the digital economy spreads globally, it will face security threats and challenges. In this context, it is important to build consensus on the G20 high-level principles for a secure, trusted, and resilient digital economy,” Modi said in a virtual address. “We can also develop a framework for safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We can build an entire ecosystem of technology-based solutions to address the challenges faced by humanity. All it needs from us are the four Cs — Conviction, Commitment, Coordination, and Collaboration.” The G20 also has the unique opportunity of advancing financial inclusion and productivity through Digital Public Infrastructure to encompass farmers, small businesses, and to build a framework for a global ecosystem, the PM said. Modi welcomed the efforts of member-nations to create a G20 virtual Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository and said it will “help create a transparent, accountable, and fair digital ecosystem for all”. He said, “I also welcome your efforts to develop a road map to facilitate cross-country comparison of digital skills and set up a virtual centre of excellence on digital skilling. These are important efforts to meet the needs of a workforce which is future-ready,” he said. Modi said India has a lot to offer the G20 nations in terms of knowledge in creating Digital Public Infrastructure on account of the Digital India initiative of the government to achieve financial inclusion. Source: Indian Express

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed his participation in the upcoming G20 summit to be held in New Delhi next month. Albanese will be among leaders of G-20 nations who are scheduled to attend the G-20 summit under India's presidency in New Delhi this September. The G20 is the world's preeminent forum for global economic cooperation. Leaders will focus on navigating the global economy back to strong, sustainable and resilient growth, according to a statement by the Australian PM's office. "Deepening Australia's engagement with Southeast Asia is a key priority for my Government. Our futures are intertwined - so it's essential that we work together to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous region," a press statement from the Australian Prime Minister's office said quoting Albanese. "It is more important than ever that Australia works closely with international partners, including through multilateral economic forums like the G20, to address shared challenges and opportunities," Albanese said. "Australia is invested in and committed to the Indo-Pacific to enhance growth and prosperity, stability and respect for sovereignty and lasting peace," he said. Albanese said that Australia is proud to be hosting a Special Summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations in 2024. "I look forward to welcoming ASEAN leaders to Australia in March next year," he said. Albanese will travel to Indonesia, the Philippines and India in September to meet with regional leaders to discuss global challenges and advance Australia's economic, security and climate agenda. The Australian Prime Minister will attend the 3rd Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit in Jakarta from September 6-7. Australia's close partnership with ASEAN and its members is critical to achieving mutual prosperity, security and peace in the region. As part of the Australian Government's upgrade of relationships with countries of Southeast Asia, Albanese will travel to Manila, the first Australian Prime Minister to undertake a bilateral visit to the Philippines since the year 2003. The Prime Minister's meeting on September 8 with Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr will focus on strengthening cooperation on defence and maritime security, development and education. "Our partnership with the Philippines is built on close defence and security cooperation, increasing economic relations and warm personal ties, including through the vibrant Filipino-Australian community. I look forward to visiting Manila to meet with President Marcos and affirm our partnership," Albanese said. Source: Economic Times

Environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the principles will “serve as a guiding framework globally to drive the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy”. The two-day G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate ministers meeting that concluded on Friday adopted a series of “Chennai High-Level Principles” for a sustainable and resilient blue economy, or ocean-based economy, even as the group failed to arrive at a consensus on key issues pertaining to climate mitigation. Officials in the environment ministry said the adoption of nine principles will not only help conserve ocean biodiversity but also address the consequences of climate change on ocean-based economies in the G20. In a series of tweets after the meeting, environment minister Bhupender Yadav said the principles will “serve as a guiding framework globally to drive the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy”. “In a historic decision, the G20 Members adopted the Outcome Document on the ‘Chennai High-Level Principles on Sustainable and Resilient Blue/Ocean-based Economy’. It shall serve as a guiding framework globally to drive the transition to a sustainable and resilient blue economy,” Yadav tweeted. Blue economy refers to advocating sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystems. “The leaders attending the meet in Chennai thanked India’s Presidency for its efforts in developing the compendiums of best practices, technical documents and technical studies. A total of 10 Presidency documents were launched under the identified priority areas of Land and Biodiversity, Blue Economy, Water Resource Management and Circular Economy,” he added. Prioritising ocean health was among the nine principles adopted by the grouping, according to the outcome document which was reviewed by HT. The key features of this principle are addressing coastal and marine pollution from all sources, such as from plastics, air pollutants and other persistent pollutants, including those derived from the maritime sector, unsustainable exploitation and illegal activities that affect the marine environment. The group also decided to acknowledge and address the links between ocean and climate. This, according to the bloc, will help push ocean-based economies to recognise ocean-climate interlinkages, opportunities for climate change mitigation and adaptation through sustainable ocean-based actions like protection, sustainable use and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems, harnessing full potential of low and zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions’s sources, and research on safe and effective use of ocean-based carbon dioxide removal and sequestration. Promoting social and inter-generational equity and gender equality was also decided at the meeting. “Transparent and inclusive approaches are important for empowering women and communities and Indigenous Peoples, to fully and effectively participate in the planning, decision making and implementation processes through appropriate skill development and benefit from the economic opportunities provided by the sustainable Blue/ Ocean-based Economy,” the document said. A senior environment ministry official, who did not wish to be named, said: “All nine principles are focused on conserving the oceans from the impact of climate crisis, such as sea level rise and ocean acidification, and protecting marine biodiversity. This is a major leap forward and a great success because these measures also help us in addressing climate change.” On the issue of land degradation, the outcome document reiterated support for the global ‘30 by 30’ goal. In December, countries across the globe adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) that seeks to bring the loss of areas of high biodiversity importance, including ecosystems of high ecological integrity, close to zero by 2030, while respecting the rights of indigenous people and local communities. The G20 meeting committed to achieving the goal. “We reiterate, in line with the KMGBF, the commitments, by 2030, to ensure that at least 30 per cent of areas of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal ecosystems are under effective restoration and to ensure and enable that at least 30 per cent of terrestrial and inland water areas, and of marine and coastal areas are effectively conserved and managed, while ensuring that any sustainable use, where appropriate in such areas, is fully consistent with conservation outcomes, and urge others to do the same,” the document said. It added that the G20 would focus on restoring, where feasible and appropriate, forest fire or wildfire-impacted areas and lands degraded due to mining activity. “We note the importance of the remediation of degraded mining lands and the science-based restoration of their ecosystems which is necessary to address environmental degradation and can have co-benefits, including soil formation, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, sustainable forest management and the improved quality and availability of water resources,” the document said. In an interview to HT on Thursday, Canada’s environment minister Steven Guilbeault said: “I am grateful to India for putting forth a strong language on the global biodiversity framework and the 30 by 30 goal. It’s a language that’s largely agreed on by the G20, so we will be able to make progress on that.” Source: hindustantimes.com

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is very much looking forward to attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, UK High Commissioner in India Alex Ellis said on Friday. Interacting with PTI on the sidelines of a preview of an art exhibition here, Alex Ellis said he thought it was "great" that India is in the chair of the G20. India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2022. About 200 meetings under different tracks of the bloc will be hosted across the country, culminating in the September 9-10 Summit. "I think it's great, I think it's great that India is in the chair of the G20," Alex Ellis told PTI when asked about India's role as G20 chair. "Because, the world is quite divided at the moment, unfortunately, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine," he added. Praising the "vibrant" culture and diversity of India that has been attracting people from all over the world, the UK envoy, said, "India is a unique country to bring the world to it. And, India has always fascinated the rest of the world, because of this (art, culture)... because of its different shapes and styles, colours, and it attracts people". On culture being an important element of the G20, Alex Ellis said he hoped art can be replicated where G20 brings people from all over the world. As India prepares for the mega G20 Summit to be hosted at a newly-inaugurated complex at Pragati Maidan in Delhi, the UK high commissioner said, "Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is very much looking forward to coming back" to India for the Leaders Summit. The UK high commissioner earlier took a round at the art exhibition 'Cut from the Same Cloth' by Seema Kohli, hosted at the iconic Bikaner House, which will open to the public from Saturday and will be on view till August 4. On Culture Working Group meetings taking place in the run-up to the G20 summit, Alex Ellis said, "Culture can attract, it can explain, and what is also fundamental to what is to be a human being". Of many nations, and India and the UK, and all over the world, "everyone has culture and if you can find a way to connect that, you can do a great thing," he said, referring to the theme of India's presidency of the G20 -- One Earth. One Family. One Future. The UK government is looking forward to Prime Minister Sunak's visit to New Delhi in September for the G20 summit, UK's Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, Sir John Whittingdale, had last month told PTI in Goa. He had said this after attending the G20 Tourism Ministerial meeting that had concluded on June 22. Five inter-related key priorities of the G20 tourism track, including green tourism, digitalisation and destination management, were "endorsed by all G20 countries" for achieving sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth in the sector, officials said on June 21. Whittingdale had also said that India is doing a "fantastic job" in chairing the influential bloc. At the art exhibition in Delhi, high commissioner Alex Ellis shared how art lets him understand India more. "Anyone who comes from the outside... I come from the UK, you are very curious about a new country, what is the country about. How do I understand this country. And, one way to look at a country is to look at its art. So it's fantastic to have artists who can interpret art," he said. Artists can make you look at colours and shape and form, and through that one begins to understand, he said. "Because, India is a very big, very complicated country. And, one of the pleasures is to meet the artists, and see fantastic arts, and a way which helps me understand India," the envoy added. Source: ndtv.com

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday in Rajya Sabha said that India's G20 Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate the country's foreign policy. He further said that India's G20 Presidency gives more force to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an "Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat".  While giving a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha on India's foreign policy, Jaishankar said, "In 2022, at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal, India assumed the landmark G-20 Presidency. We will host the Summit in September. Our Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate our foreign policy and give more force to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat that regains its rightful place in the world."  Notably, India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1.  Jaishankar noted that India through its G20 Presidency has been able to focus attention on the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, particularly developing nations. India has advocated an inclusive "human-centric approach" to climate action and development.  EAM Jaishankar said, "During our Presidency, we have been able to focus attention on the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, especially developing countries. This includes Mission LiFE for empowering climate-friendly lifestyles and the popularization of millets to address the challenge of food security. We have also advocated an inclusive human-centric approach to climate action and development, as well as the use of technology to transform the lives of people."  "Since April 6, we have hosted the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi, the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad, the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, the Education Ministers’ Meeting in Pune, and the Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Indore, Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers’ Meeting in Chennai, and the Ministerial Meeting on Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar. As envisaged, we are realizing our intent to make India’s Presidency a truly national endeavour and showcase India to the world," he added.  Jaishankar also said, "At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society."  "Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others. And that India speaks as the voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all. Our Pravasishave a renewed confidence- both in the prospects of our future, and the receptivity of our government to their needs. While serving as a force for global good and stability, we have also vigorously defended our national interests," he added.  He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited seven nations. He said that PM Modi made bilateral visits to Australia, the US, Egypt, France and the UAE. Prime Minister participated in the Quad and G7 meetings in Japan and co-chaired the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Summit in Papua New Guinea.  Jaishankar noted that international affairs have become "unprecedented and complex."  He said that India speaks as the voice of "peace, security and prosperity" for all."At a time when international affairs have become unprecedented and complex, our people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of our society. Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others. And that India speaks as the voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all," Jaishankar said.   "Our Pravasis have a renewed confidence- both in the prospects of our future, and the receptivity of our government to their needs. While serving as a force for global good and stability, we have also vigorously defended our national interests," he added. Jaishankar said that India is now seen as a "credible and effective development partner". India's development partnership now spans 78 nations. "I am glad to report that we are now seen as a credible and effective development partner. Our development partnership portfolio now spans 78 countries and the hallmark of these projects is that they are demand-driven, transparent, empowerment-oriented, environment friendly and rely on a consultative approach. We have also been spearheading the promotion of Digital Public Infrastructure and sharing best practices in digital governance, especially in the Global South," he said.