Elaborate preparations are in place for the G20 Summit that is scheduled to start on September 9 in Delhi. This two-day summit will witness the participation of delegates from both member and guest nations. The agenda primarily revolves around extensive deliberations on various economic reforms.
The summit will culminate with the formal acceptance of a G20 Leaders' Declaration, encapsulating the key priorities and agreements discussed throughout the sessions. As the capital city readies itself to host this global event, here all the essential details about the G20 Summit.
The G20 Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, specifically at the 'Bharat Mandappam' within the ITPO Convention Centre located at Pragati Maidan. This significant event is earmarked for September 9th and 10th. Apart from the main summit venue, international representatives will also have the opportunity to explore prominent sites within the national capital, including Rajghat, IARI Pusa, and NGMA (Jaipur House).
Section 144 imposed
With the G20 Summit approaching in the capital city, the Delhi Police have enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code across the entire urban area. This measure aims to control sizeable assemblies, forestall any undesirable occurrences, or illegal actions. The implementation of this regulation, directed by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, will commence on August 29 and persist for 15 days, ending on September 12 (including both days), unless rescinded sooner.
In an official notification, the Delhi Police have expressed concerns about potential risks to public safety, dignitaries, and critical infrastructure. It has come to their attention that certain criminal, anti-social, or terrorist elements hostile to India might endanger these entities. They could employ unconventional aerial devices such as paragliders, paramotors, hang-gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), microlight aircraft, remote-controlled aircraft, hot air balloons, small powered aircraft, quadcopters, and even engage in parachute jumps from aircraft to carry out such threats.
Here is the complete schedule for the G20 Summit:
September 3-6: 4th Sherpa Meeting
September 5-6: Finance Deputies Meeting
September 6: Joint Sherpas and Finance Deputies Meeting
September 9-10: Meeting of Ministers at the G20 Summit
September 13-14: 4th Sustainable Finance Working Group Meeting in Varanasi
September 14-16: 4th Meeting for the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion in Mumbai
September 18-19: 4th Framework Working Group Meeting in Raipur
Prohibition of Activities:
As outlined in the notice, the operation of sub-conventional aerial platforms such as paragliders, paramotors, hang-gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small powered aircraft, quadcopters, or even engaging in parachute jumps from aircraft within the jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi during the G20 Summit 2023 is strictly forbidden. Carrying out such activities will result in legal consequences under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Traffic: During the three-day period, entry into Delhi will be restricted for heavy, medium, and light goods vehicles. Nevertheless, trucks carrying essential items such as milk, vegetables, medical supplies, etc., are exempted from this restriction, provided they possess the necessary "No Entry Permissions" and relevant documentation.
Additionally, from midnight on September 7 until 11:59 PM on September 10, vehicles will not be permitted to operate on Mathura Road (beyond Ashram Chowk), Bhairon Road, Purana Quila Road, or inside Pragati Maidan Tunnel.
Delivery Restrictions: From September 8 to September 10, food and e-commerce delivery services will not be permitted to operate in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) areas. Some of the affected areas include Parliament Street, Civil Lines, Connaught Place, Chanakyapuri, Pragati Maidan, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Karol Bagh, Khan Market, Sarojini Nagar, and Rohini. However, individuals can still order medicines and are free to visit grocery stores to purchase food and other items.
Tourist Sites: Access to India Gate, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and various other locations within the New Delhi district will be restricted. Residents will be discouraged from wandering around sensitive areas during this period.
Logo of G20
The design of the G20 Logo draws inspiration from India's national flag, featuring the vibrant colors of the 'Tiranga' – saffron, white, green, and blue. The logo showcases a harmonious fusion of a lotus rendered in white, green, and blue, superimposed upon the image of the Earth, enhancing its visual appeal. This design is particularly poignant in the face of escalating climate change, underlining the pressing need to adopt ecologically mindful practices. Additionally, the Devanagari script spells out 'Bharat' beneath the G20 logo, lending a cultural touch.
Theme for G20 summit
The chosen theme for the G20 Summit in 2023 is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which translates to "One Earth · One Family · One Future." This theme finds its origins in the renowned ancient Sanskrit text, Maha Upanishad. The theme's essence resonates with the idea of worldwide cohesion, making it an apt and resonant motto for this global assembly.
Furthermore, the theme draws attention to the concept of LiFE, embodying the principles of environmental sustainability and accountability. These principles hold relevance not only at the individual level but also on a national scale.
Delhi designated as no-fly zone:
Preceding the G-20 summit, the Delhi Police have designated the national capital as a no-fly zone for unmanned aerial vehicles and remote-controlled aircraft. Starting from August 29, 2023, the operation of sub-conventional aerial platforms including paragliders, paramotors, hang-gliders, UAVs, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small powered aircraft, quadcopters, and parachute jumps from aircraft is restricted within the jurisdiction of the NCT of Delhi. This measure has been taken to counteract the potential threat posed by criminal, anti-social elements, or terrorists hostile to India, who could employ such platforms to endanger the safety of the general public, dignitaries, and critical installations. The Delhi Police shared this information in a statement posted on platform X.
Additionally, it has been clarified that this prohibition will stay in effect for a duration of 15 days. Any breaches of this directive will be subject to legal repercussions as per Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Flights Cancelled
A total of 160 domestic flights to and from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport have been canceled between September 8 and 10. These cancellations are a result of traffic restrictions imposed in the city due to the impending G20 Summit. The operator of the airport, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), confirmed that various airlines have submitted requests to cancel 80 departing and 80 arriving domestic flights over the course of these three days. DIAL clarified that the cancellations are unrelated to a shortage of parking space for aircraft. Importantly, international flights will not be affected by these cancellations.
The following global leaders are slated to participate in the summit:
United States: President Joe Biden of the United States is scheduled to journey to India from September 7 to 10 to take part in the summit. Biden, in conjunction with fellow G20 partners, will engage in discussions concerning collaborative endeavors to address worldwide challenges. These topics include the transition towards clean energy and the battle against climate change, as well as strategies for lessening the economic and societal consequences of the Ukraine conflict. The White House stated in the previous week that discussions will also involve enhancing the capabilities of multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, to more effectively combat poverty.
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom is set to join the summit's proceedings. According to reports, Sunak's visit will encompass discussions on UK-India trade negotiations. This subject is expected to be covered in a dedicated bilateral meeting between Sunak and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Republic of Korea: President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea is anticipated to attend the G20 Summit. The South Korean Ambassador to India, Chang Jae Bok, indicated earlier this month that President Yoon will participate in the summit scheduled for September 9-10. The ambassador conveyed strong support for India's G20 presidency in the current year and expressed hopes that the September Summit would serve as the apex of the Indian Government's efforts in this regard.
France: President Emmanuel Macron of France is slated to participate in the G20 Summit. Reports from Live Mint indicate that Macron will be accommodated at the Claridges hotel in New Delhi.
China: President Xi Jinping of China will also be present at the summit. It is anticipated that Xi will be staying at the Taj Hotel. Reports suggest that China is making arrangements for the arrival of 46 vehicles.
Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has confirmed his attendance at the G20 Summit. Trudeau stated, "I will be at the G20 in a week… and we will continue to make sure that the world is standing with Ukraine..."
Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia is set to partake in the summit from September 9 to 10. The Australian government had previously issued a statement in August, announcing, "From September 9-10, the Prime Minister will attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi."
Bangladesh: Andalib Elias, the deputy high commissioner of Bangladesh, announced on Monday that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present at the G20 Summit. Elias also expressed optimism about the possibility of a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey his choice of not attending the upcoming G20 Summit in person. Putin clarified that Russia's representation at the event will be led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as stated in an announcement from the Ministry of External Affairs.
