The forthcoming G-20 summit in Delhi is awaiting a formal confirmation from Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding his participation. In the event of his absence, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to take his place. Several other world leaders, including those from the United States, France, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have already affirmed their presence.

The uncertainty surrounding President Xi’s potential absence from the G-20 summit in Delhi, scheduled for September 9th and 10th, has led to speculation that he may opt out of the high-level meetings, as indicated by Beijing.

Premier Li Qiang would replace him at the summit after attending the East Asia Summit in Jakarta on the 7th of September. At this moment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states, “I have nothing to offer in this regard at the moment.”

Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of the MEA, said, “It would be a better place for the visitors to respond whether they are coming or not.”

Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said, “It would be a better place for the visitors to respond whether they are coming or not.”

Since 2013, the Chinese President has attended the G-20 as a virtual summit, apart from Rome in 2021 when China was still suffering from the COVID pandemic. His decision not to travel to Delhi for this year’s summit carries significant implications. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently engaged in discussions with President Xi at the BRICS Summit held in South Africa just last week.

-Uttara Singh Chauhan