New Delhi: United States President Joe Biden landed in Delhi on Friday evening to participate in the G20 Summit scheduled for the weekend. His plane, Air Force One, touched down at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly before 7 pm. During his visit, President Biden is set to engage in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where several crucial topics will be on the agenda, including negotiations for fighter jet engines, the acquisition of predator drones, and collaboration on critical technologies such as 5G and 6G networks.
There have also been discussions about a significant rail deal, although US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan did not confirm these reports. However, Sullivan acknowledged the US’s interest in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of connectivity from India to Europe via the Middle East, which holds economic and strategic benefits for all involved countries.
Earlier in the day, before departing for India, President Biden posted on social media, expressing his anticipation for the G20 Summit and its focus on international economic cooperation. He stated, “Every time we (the G20) engage, we get better,” highlighting the summit’s aims to address American priorities, support developing nations, and reaffirm the G20 as a forum capable of delivering results.
The White House is determined to showcase the United States as a reliable partner at the summit, especially as emerging economies like those in the BRICS group work together to ensure their concerns are addressed. Last month, BRICS announced its intention to welcome six new member nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
President Biden, aged 80, tested negative for COVID-19 before his trip, following a medical scare triggered by his wife, Jill Biden, testing positive for the virus.
Joint Statement Prospects
Regarding the possibility of a joint statement following the G20 Summit, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed cautious optimism. While he couldn’t predict the outcome, Sullivan emphasized the readiness of the United States to play its part in achieving a joint statement. He emphasized the importance of all countries stepping up, being responsible, and contributing constructively to make it a reality.
Sullivan highlighted two potential stumbling blocks for such a statement: the situation in Ukraine and climate change. He explained that some nations, particularly oil-producing ones, may seek less ambitious climate goals. Additionally, China has been trying to link technology access to the wording of any declaration.
World Leaders’ Arrival
A host of global leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Australia and the United Kingdom, arrived in Delhi this evening for the summit. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, upon his arrival, spoke to news agency ANI and emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing Khalistani terror threats.
He stated, “The Khalistani issue is a crucial concern… Let me make it clear, without any ambiguity, that no form of extremism or violence like that is acceptable in the UK. That’s why we are closely collaborating with the Indian government to combat ‘PKE’ (pro-Khalistan extremism).”
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