Official sources said Modi will have around 20 engagements during his two-day stay in Bali where, as the next Chair, India will look to speak for the developing countries, which are battling some of the worst consequences of the conflict in Europe, and steer the agenda in a “balanced” manner.
Apart from existing environmental challenges and other issues, the G20 is expected to focus on current challenges like uneven post-pandemic economic recovery, debt vulnerabilities especially in the countries of the global south, ongoing conflict in Europe and its knock on effects such as food security challenges, energy crisis and inflation. “G20 leaders will discuss these challenges and underscore the importance of closer multilateral cooperation to help overcome these challenges,” said foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra.
Kwatra said Modi, who will receive G20 presidency from Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the closing session, will also utilise the opportunity to invite the G20 leaders to India’s G20 Summit. Modi is expected to have many bilateral meetings on the sidelines including with the leaders of the US, France, UK and Germany. There was no confirmation of any proposal for a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
India is currently part of the G20 Troika (current, previous and incoming G20 Presidencies) that comprises Indonesia, Italy and India. After India takes over the presidency, the Troika will comprise Indonesia, India and Brazil that will assume presidency from India after the summit next year.
This would be the first time in G20 that the Troika would consist of three developing countries and emerging economies in a row, said Kwatra.“India as the next chair, would endeavour to provide greater voice to issues of interest to the global South, and steer the G20 agenda in a representative and balanced manner,” said the foreign secretary. Modi will address and interact with the Indian community at a reception on November 15. The Indian community and diaspora have a strong presence across Indonesia.
The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation representing around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
