Apr 17 : India, as the current President of the G20, celebrated a significant achievement by hosting its 100th G20 meeting in Varanasi, the Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS), on Monday. In addition, the 2nd Health Working Group in Goa, the 2nd Digital Economy Working Group in Hyderabad, and the Space Economy Leaders’ Precursor Meeting in Shillong were also held on the same day. The G20 Presidency was handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Bali Summit on 16 November 2022, and India’s one-year Presidency of the grouping commenced on 1 December 2022, continuing until 30 November 2023.
The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union, representing around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and approximately two-thirds of the world population. Under India’s G20 Presidency, the country has received immense support from G20 members and guest countries for its inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive agenda, leading up to the New Delhi Leaders’ Summit on 9-10 September.
India’s G20 Presidency has witnessed extensive participation, with over 12,300 delegates from over 110 nationalities attending G20-related meetings so far. This includes participation from G20 members, nine invitee countries, and 14 international organizations. The meetings have been held in 41 cities, covering 28 States and Union Territories. The Presidency has organized meetings across India, with the full support and participation of State Governments and Union Territories, and is expected to host foreign delegates for over 200 G20-related meetings in around 60 cities across India, the widest geographical spread in any G20 Presidency.
India’s G20 logo and theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (One Earth, One Family, One Future), were unveiled by Prime Minister Modi on 8 November 2022. The logo, designed in the colors of India’s national flag, represents India’s pro-planet approach and growth amidst challenges. All 13 Sherpa Track Working Groups, eight Finance Track Workstreams, 11 Engagement Groups, and four Initiatives have embarked on substantive interactions during India’s G20 Presidency.
