In a solemn and symbolic start to the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside prominent world leaders including Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak, converged at Rajghat to pay their respects at the hallowed memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. This poignant gesture marked the final day of the summit, underscoring the enduring legacy of the great Indian leader.
Leaders from across the globe, including United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Azali Assoumani, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Spain’s Vice-President Nadia Calvino, and Minister of Economy of the United Mexican States Raquel Buenrostro Sánchez, joined Prime Minister Modi in laying wreaths and offering homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
Prime Minister Modi, with a gracious touch, presented each leader with a Khadi shawl, featuring a cutout of Gandhi Ashram in the background. Following this ceremony, the leaders participated in a tree-planting initiative at Rajghat, symbolizing a commitment to sustainable growth.
Visually striking, the venue was adorned with vibrant flowers, creating an atmosphere of reverence and harmony as leaders assembled. Stringent security measures were diligently implemented throughout the national capital to ensure the summit’s success.
The theme of this year’s G20 Summit, hosted under India’s presidency, aptly echoes the global need for unity and sustainable development: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth · One Family · One Future.” India assumed the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2022, setting the stage for this historic gathering.
Day 2 of the summit commenced with leaders visiting Delhi’s Raj Ghat, where they paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and listened to a musical homage featuring his favorite hymns. Subsequently, they proceeded to Bharat Mandapam for a tree-planting ceremony at the South Plaza. The day’s agenda included the third session of the G20 summit, titled ‘One Future,’ to be held at Bharat Mandapam. Furthermore, an exclusive G20 exhibition for the spouses of world leaders was scheduled for the day.
Notably, the Delhi Declaration, adopted on September 9, called upon nations to uphold international law, including territorial integrity and international humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of a multilateral system that fosters peace and stability. Impressively, all 83 paragraphs of the declaration garnered unanimous support, with China and Russia in full agreement, marking a historic consensus without any footnotes or Chair’s Summary.
As the G20 Summit continues, the world awaits further deliberations and collaborations aimed at shaping a better future for all.
With inputs from agencies
