G-20 Conference and Bangladesh: A New Era of International Relationships

The 18th Group of Twenty (G20) summit is going to be held in India. In this two-day summit, heads of state and government will meet in New Delhi, the capital of India, on Saturday and Sunday. Leaders and representatives from 40 countries will participate in this mega event, which includes 20 members like the European Union (EU).

Indian Northern Railway has decided to temporarily cancel over 200 passenger train services from Friday to Monday.

Although Bangladesh is not a member of the G20 group of developed countries, India, the host country, has invited 9 more nations as 'guest countries'. Representatives from these countries will attend the G-20 conference. Bangladesh is recognized as a 'guest country' from South Asia, providing opportunities for bilateral discussions. G20 summit coordinator Harshvardhan Shringla stated that participating in the G20 process offers Bangladesh a unique chance to influence international policy.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly invited India to use the Chittagong and Mongla ports, which would benefit the northeastern states of Assam and Tripura. Several new ports of call and protocol routes have been added to facilitate trade between the two countries. To enhance road connectivity, the Maitri Setu was constructed over the Feni river in 2021, linking Sabrum in India's Tripura with Ramgarh in Bangladesh. 

The Padma Bridge also plays a significant role in improving connectivity between the nations. Regarding rail connectivity, the Mithali Express train was inaugurated from New Jalpaiguri in North West Bengal to Dhaka in 2022. The Akhaura-Agartala railway line is set to be inaugurated. Beyond regional connectivity, Bangladesh has contributed to peace in the previously restive Northeast India. As a result, Bangladesh has emerged as a crucial partner for India in security matters.

According to the schedule, over 90 train services were canceled on Saturday, and more than 100 passenger train services will be canceled on Sunday. Most of these trains operate on the Sonepat-Panipat, Rohtak, Rewari, and Palwal routes in South Haryana.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has received requests from airlines to cancel 80 departing and arriving flights over three days starting Friday due to the G-20 summit.

Sheikh Hasina attended the summit held at Pragati Maidan's Bharat Mandapam Convention Center upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This 18th G-20 summit at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center in Pragati Maidan marks the culmination of all G-20 processes and meetings held throughout the year among ministers, senior officials, and civil society.

At the summit, G20 leaders will discuss key global issues, including digital transformation, climate finance, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), food security, the economic and social impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, and capacity-building of multilateral development banks, among others.

The G-20 consists of 19 member countries and the European Union, representing about 85 percent of world GDP, 75 percent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world's population.

Leaders from various countries and global organizations will attend the G20 summit in India. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend. Instead, they will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Premier Li Qiang, respectively.

Non-G20 countries and organizations are also invited to each summit. Among the leaders of global institutions invited are World Bank President Ajay Banga, International Solar Alliance Director General Ajay Mathur, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure Director General Amit Prothi, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, International Labor Organization Director General Gilbert Fosun Houngbo, Financial Stability Board Chair Claas Knott, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kritalina Georgieva, and others.

G20 Leaders’ Summit 2023
The 18th Heads of State and Government Summit of the G20 will occur in September 2023 in New Delhi, India. Under the Indian Presidency, the theme for G20 in 2023 is ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.

The president of the alliance manages the G20 summit and its year-long agenda. India took over the G-20 presidency on December 1 the previous year. The baton has since been passed to Brazil for the next summit. In 2022, Indonesia presided over the conference.

Alliances have two primary goals: economic considerations and diplomatic preparatory work. Finance ministers and central bank governors lead these facets. Once economic matters are addressed, diplomats finalize various policies.

The Leaders’ Summit signifies the culmination of the G20 process and the endeavors throughout the year via Ministerial Meetings, Working Groups, and Engagement Groups.

The Indian Presidency will emphasize Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), promoting environmentally sustainable choices both personally and nationally to realize a brighter future. The Working Groups will focus on various areas such as agriculture, digital economy, health, and more.

A Leaders’ Declaration is expected at the Summit's conclusion, solidifying their commitment to the year's discussed priorities.

The G20 comprises 19 countries and the EU. India presided over the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.

The writer is Researcher and Columnist.