President Joe Biden is set to attend a climate-focused G20 summit in India next month, and speculation is swirling over whether Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will also be in attendance. The summit, taking place from September 7-10 and hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will provide an opportunity for Biden and G20 partners to discuss critical issues such as climate change, the clean energy transition, the economic and social consequences of Putin’s war in Ukraine, and poverty alleviation.
In addition to the climate-focused agenda, President Biden will also commend Prime Minister Modi’s leadership of the G20 and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the forum as the premier platform for economic cooperation. The White House announced that the U.S. will host the G20 in 2026, emphasizing the importance of the G20 in promoting global economic collaboration.
Prior to President Biden’s trip, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia, to attend the U.S.-ASEAN and East Asia summits from September 4-7. During her visit, Harris will emphasize programs aimed at promoting shared prosperity and security, including climate change initiatives, maritime security, infrastructure development, economic growth, and adherence to international rules and norms.
President Biden’s upcoming visit to India builds on his previous engagements with Southeast Asian nations. He had participated in the U.S.-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2022, virtually attended the U.S.-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in 2021, and engaged with ASEAN leaders at the historic U.S.-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, D.C. in May 2022. These interactions highlight the U.S. government’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with countries in the region.
It is worth noting that President Biden had met with President Xi on the sidelines of last year’s G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. However, it remains uncertain whether President Xi and President Putin will be present at the upcoming summit in India. Last year’s G20 summit was largely dominated by discussions surrounding the Ukraine war, although President Putin did not attend the event.
In summary, President Biden’s attendance at the climate-focused G20 summit in India underscores the United States’ commitment to addressing urgent global challenges such as climate change and poverty alleviation. The summit provides a platform for world leaders to come together, share ideas, and collaborate on finding solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time. As speculation swirls over the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, all eyes will be on the summit and the outcomes that emerge from it.
