The Narendra Modi-led central government has prepared a list of ministers tasked with welcoming foreign dignitaries attending the G20 Leaders Summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10. The event, which boasts participation from over 30 heads of state, high-ranking officials from the European Union, invited guest nations, and leaders of 14 international organizations, is set to be a significant diplomatic gathering.
Notable Welcoming Assignments
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in the Indian capital on Wednesday and was warmly greeted by Union Minister Anupriya Patel. Her arrival marks the beginning of a series of dignitary receptions.
One of the prominent figures scheduled to arrive is US President Joe Biden, who is expected in the national capital at 6.55 pm IST. General VK Singh (Retd), a former Minister of State for External Affairs, has been designated to welcome him. Additionally, Minister Singh will also extend greetings to Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an informal meeting with his council of ministers on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of representing India’s cultural diversity. He advised ministers to be well-dressed in Indian attire when receiving dignitaries and encouraged them to adopt a humble and simple approach.
Arrival Schedule
The arrival schedule of dignitaries is as follows:
| Dignitary | Arrival Time (IST) | Receiving Minister |
|---|---|---|
| British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak | 1.40 pm | Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey |
| Japanese PM Fumio Kishida | 2.15 pm | Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey |
| Italian PM Giorgia Meloni | Arrival Time Not Specified | Minister of State for Agriculture Shobha Karandlaje |
| Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina | Arrival Time Not Specified | MoS for Railways and Textiles Darshana Jardosh |
| South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol | Arrival Time Not Specified | MoS for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar |
| French President Emmanuel Macron | Arrival on September 9 | MoS for Commerce Anupriya Patel |
| German Chancellor Olaf Scholz | Arrival on September 9 | Union Minister BL Verma |
| UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan | Arrival Time Not Specified | MoS for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai |
| Dignitaries from Singapore | Arrival Time Not Specified | Union Minister L Murugan |
These ministers will play a crucial role in fostering diplomatic relations and showcasing India’s hospitality to the visiting dignitaries.
The G20 Leaders Summit is an opportunity for India to engage with the global community on various pressing issues, including economic cooperation, climate change, and international security.