• Tuesday, October 15, 2024

G20

Modi welcomes world leaders in front of Konark Wheel signifying ‘continuity’ at G20 venue

The theme of this year’s summit, which is taking place under India’s presidency, is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth – One Family – One Future”.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi welcomes his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau upon his arrival at Bharat Mandapam convention center for the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, Saturday, September 9, 2023. (PTI Photo)

By: Shubham Ghosh

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (9) welcomed world leaders at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi where the 18th G20 summit was being held.

He welcomed the world leaders against the backdrop of the replica of the Konark Wheel from the eastern state of Odish. It is a 13th-century artefact symbolising time, progress and continuous change.

The prime minister was seen welcoming gracefully leaders such as Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, United Nations secretary general Antonio Gueterres, Italian prime minister Georgia Meloni, British prime minister Rishi Sunak, South Korean prime minister Yoon Suk Yeol, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, World Bank president Ajay Banga, International Monetary Fund chairman Kristalina Georgieva, among others.

The theme of this year’s summit, which is taking place under India’s presidency, is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth – One Family – One Future”.

The phrase is borrowed from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. It affirms the value of all life — human, animal, plant, and microorganisms — and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe.

While Modi had a few bilateral meetings ahead of the summit on Friday, including the one with US president Joe Biden at his official residence, several more are expected on Saturday, including with the leaders of the UK, Japan, Germany and Italy.

The prime minister will also host a “working lunch” for the leaders on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam, while president Droupadi Murmu will host a gala dinner for the dignitaries.

Related Stories