Washington, Sep 8: US President Joe Biden embarked on a journey to India, where he is set to participate in the G20 Summit in New Delhi and engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The White House has confirmed that President Biden will adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) throughout his visit.
It’s worth noting that First Lady Jill Biden, aged 72, had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the week. Subsequently, President Biden, aged 80, underwent COVID-19 testing on both Monday and Tuesday, with results indicating that he tested negative. Just before departing for India, the White House confirmed his negative COVID-19 status.Upon his arrival in New Delhi on Friday evening, President Biden is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi on the same night. These meetings, as well as interactions with other world leaders during and alongside the G20 Summit, will be conducted in accordance with CDC COVID-19 protocols.First Lady Jill Biden, due to her positive COVID-19 test, is currently in quarantine at their Delaware residence and will not be accompanying the President on his trip to India and Vietnam. Her office has confirmed that she tested negative for COVID-19 on Thursday.White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communication, John Kirby, expressed President Biden’s enthusiasm for the significant initiatives he intends to champion at the G20 Summit. These initiatives encompass delivering economic opportunities for developing nations, advancing key priorities for the American people, including climate and technology, and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the G20 as a vital forum for addressing these pressing issues.Kirby also expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership during India’s presidency of the G20 and highlighted President Biden’s eagerness for his upcoming bilateral meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in New Delhi.The G20 consists of member countries that collectively represent approximately 85% of the global GDP, more than 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population. The G20 member nations include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union (EU).
