G20 leaders including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and France President Emmanuel Macron paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial in Rajghat on Sunday.
Modi welcomed the dignitaries with 'khadi' stole and an image of Gandhi's Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat in the background.
By laying wreaths at Gandhi's samadhi, G20 leaders paid their tributes.
Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that "At the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi - the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence. As diverse nations converge, Gandhi Ji’s timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future."
At the tree planting ceremony, the G20 presidencies of last year (Indonesia) and the next year (Brazil) handed over a sapling to PM Modi.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo handed over the sapling to Modi followed by Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva.
Third session 'One Future'
The United Kingdom on Sunday said it will provide USD 2 billion to the Green Climate Fund in its "biggest" single funding commitment to help the world tackle climate change.
At the session, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the future will be digital. "One thing seems clear- the future will be digital. Today I want to focus on AI & digital infrastructure. As it has been described, AI has risks but also offers tremendous opportunities. The crucial question is how to harness a rapidly changing technology. It is telling that even the makers and inventors of AI are calling on political leaders to regulate," she was quoted by ANI.
She also said that Europe and its partners should develop a new global framework for AI risks. “We would need a similar body to the IPCC for climate, and here we need additional outreach to the scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators. They need to provide knowledge on the risks posed by AI – as well as the potential benefits for humanity,” she added.
Biden departs for Vietnam
Biden departed for Vietnam after paying homage at Gandhi's memorial in Rajghat. He had arrived on Friday and held bilateral meeting with Modi on the same day. In their meeting, Modi and Biden vowed to "deepen and diversify" the bilateral major defence partnership while welcoming forward movement in India's procurement of 31 drones and joint development of jet engines, reported PTI.
India’s rich culture displayed at Bharat Mandapam was also a delight to the G20 leaders. Zodwa Lallie, a delegate from South Africa, said that the showcase of craftsmanship is a great way to empower women from rural areas.
"I think it is absolutely marvellous. It is an absolute showcase of craftsmanship and the beauty of handmade items from India...What is great is the way it empowers women from rural areas. More than anything else, it's just a beautiful showcase," she told ANI.
