Rishi Sunak has touched down in Delhi for the G20 summit, where leaders from the world’s 19 largest economies and the European Union are convening. This marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first prime minister of Indian heritage to visit India. Downing Street has emphasized that this “historic” visit underscores the enduring connection between the two nations.
Accompanying Mr. Sunak is his wife, Akshata Murty, who was born and raised in India and is the daughter of one of India’s wealthiest individuals.
Diplomatic Melting Pot
The G20 can be described as a diplomatic melting pot, with member nations often sharing little beyond their robust economies. However, this is precisely its purpose – to unite countries that drive the global economy forward. The G20 originated in the 21st century, conceived in 1999, and gained prominence following the 2008 financial crisis. Consequently, discussions within this forum tend to be quite broad. Nonetheless, it offers leaders the opportunity for one-on-one meetings, commonly referred to as “bilaterals.”
Speaking en route to the summit, Mr. Rishi Sunak expressed his excitement about returning to India for G20 , a nation that holds special significance for him. He jokingly mentioned that he was once affectionately referred to as “India’s son-in-law.”
Notably, two of the world’s most influential leaders were absent from the guest list for the second consecutive year. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin opted not to attend, drawing criticism from the British prime minister, who stated that Putin had isolated himself in his presidential palace and was evading criticism and reality. Meanwhile, President Xi of China also chose not to participate.
It’s a complex situation, as not all G20 members share the same level of commitment to the situation in Ukraine. India, the host nation, for example, continues to purchase substantial amounts of oil from Russia. When asked if he intended to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the summit, the prime minister remained non-committal. He noted that he expected to engage with a variety of individuals during the course of the summit but refrained from confirming any face-to-face meetings.