Official sources said Modi will have around 20 engagements during his two-day stay in Bali where, as the next president, India will seek to speak on behalf of developing countries, which are fighting some of the worst consequences of the conflict in Europe, and to lead the agenda in a “balanced” way.
In addition to existing environmental challenges and other issues, the G20 should focus on current challenges such as the uneven post-pandemic economic recovery, debt vulnerabilities especially in the southern hemisphere, the ongoing conflict in Europe and its ripple effects such as food security challenges, energy crisis and inflation. “G20 leaders will discuss these challenges and emphasize the importance of closer multilateral cooperation to help overcome these challenges,” said Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra.
Kwatra said Modi, who will receive the G20 presidency from Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the closing session, will also use the opportunity to invite G20 leaders to the Indian G20 summit. Modi is expected to have many bilateral meetings on the sidelines, including with leaders from the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Germany. 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) which includes Indonesia, Italy and India. After India takes over the presidency, the Troika will include Indonesia, India and Brazil who will take over the presidency from India after next year’s summit.
This would be the first time in the G20 that the Troika would be made up of three developing countries and emerging economies in a row, Kwatra said. “India, as the next president, would strive to give a greater voice to issues of concern to the global South and steer the G20 agenda in a representative and balanced way, “the foreign minister said. Modi will address and interact with the Indian community at a reception on November 15. The Indian community and the diaspora have a strong presence throughout Indonesia.
The G20 is the leading forum for international economic cooperation accounting for around 85% of world GDP, over 75% of world trade and around two thirds of the world population.
