The Indian National Congress released disturbing videos of animal cruelty ahead of the G20 Summit opening in Delhi. The clips show street dogs brutally dragged by the necks, beaten with sticks, and caged by authorities in summit preparations. The Congress alleged dogs are denied food and water and subjected to extreme stress and fear. The party demanded justice for the voiceless victims and action against the appalling cruelty. The videos appeal for canine mercy noting the summit motto 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' means the world is one family. The row underscores concern over the harsh displacement of strays despite the summit's unifying theme.

At the G20 summit on Saturday, President Biden, PM Modi, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will announce the initiative for a transcontinental rail and shipping corridor connecting India with Europe via the Middle East. A potential game-changer for global trade, the project involving the US, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, EU, and other G20 nations aims to boost prosperity through energy and digital flows. It counters China's infrastructure reach, addressing developing nations' growth constraints. The historic India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor is deemed to make India-Europe trade 40% faster. [Photo: PMO India]

At the G20 Summit, Indian PM Modi warmly welcomed UK PM Rishi Sunak with a handshake and signature hug as he arrived in Delhi. Sunak, the first British Indian premier, described the special feeling of returning to India with his wife Akshata Murty. He will hold a bilateral meeting with Modi and discuss the Ukraine war's global impacts, planning to pressure Russia over civilian bombings. On his social media handle, Sunak highlighted G20's role in restoring growth amid enormous challenges, as in 2008. The Modi-Sunak meeting also carries significance for both nations amidst ongoing trade talks.

At the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Modi's nameplate read 'Bharat' instead of India, sparking attention amid the 'Bharat' versus 'India' debate. Videos showed Modi addressed as leader of 'Bharat' too. This follows controversy over the dinner invite shift from India to Bharat. The debate prompted speculation Parliament may discuss a name change in the upcoming special session. While BJP pushes for 'Bharat', the opposition calls it a distraction as the term already exists in the constitution. However, Modi has asked ministers to avoid the political heat, noting Bharat is the country's ancient name.

The African Union formally became a new G20 member on Saturday at host India's invitation. Earlier, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Bangladesh, signing 3 MoUs including on digital payments. US President Biden met Modi after arriving in Delhi. India's G20 Sherpa said the Leaders' Declaration is ready and will be presented for consensus. He said it would include developing nations' voices. The two-day summit at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam venue will conclude with leaders adopting a declaration. On Day 1, the AU's inclusion of diversified voices at the summit table. With the stage set, India facilitates global cooperation and unity. [Video: Moment when the African Union formally joined the G20]

At the G20 Summit opening, PM Modi called for transforming the "global trust deficit" into trust-based relationships. He stated India's presidency has become a symbol of inclusion. Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with President Biden post his arrival. He also met Bangladesh PM Hasina, with both nations signing 3 MoUs including on digital payments. More bilateral engagements are expected with the UK, Japan, Germany and Italy. The summit theme "One Earth, One Family, One Future" drawn from Sanskrit affirms the interconnectedness of all life on the planet. CLICK on the video link to watch PM MOdi's opening address at the G20 Summit 2023.  

Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed world leaders including President Biden, UK PM Sunak, UN Secretary-General Guterres, and IMF head Georgieva as the G20 Summit kickstarted at Delhi's Bharat Mandapam on Saturday. Modi greeted delegates with 'Namaste', handshakes, and some 'power hugs' with Biden, Sunak, and Saudi Crown Prince Salman. He was also seen explaining the Konark wheel replica to Biden. In his opening address, Modi appealed to the world to turn trust deficit into confidence in each other and proposed making the African Union a permanent G20 member. The grand opening reflected India's emergence as a globally influential voice championing unity and inclusive development.

In an ANI interview, UK PM Rishi Sunak asserted no form of extremism or violence is acceptable in Britain. He said his government is working closely with India specifically to tackle pro-Khalistan extremism, which won't be tolerated. Sunak stated security ministers held talks and intelligence is being shared to root out violent extremism. He unambiguously said attacks like the one that occurred at the Indian High Commission in London are not right and won't be tolerated. Sunak's strong stand against Khalistani activity reflects cooperation to combat a shared threat. With extremism concerns in India, his pledge not to allow UK soil for terror groups sends a reassuring message. 

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, received a warm welcome in Delhi for the G20 leaders' summit. Later, Sunak and Akshata visited the British Council headquarters in Delhi, meeting local schoolchildren participating in UK-funded programs. Sunak engaged with the children, inquiring about India's historic Moon landing and expressing his enthusiasm for the achievement. Akshata Murty interacted with the children and their coding projects and also played some football with them. The couple also discussed some literature with the young readers, including William Shakespeare's "Macbeth." PM Sunak described India as “a country that’s near and dear to me” expressing his excitement in returning as UK's prime minister to the land of his parents.

As India gets ready to host the G20 Summit on September 9-10, world leaders including US President Biden, UK PM Sunak, Japan's Kishida, and others arrived in Delhi amid grand welcomes. Biden landed at 7pm, proceeding to meet Modi at his residence. PM Modi also held bilateral meetings with Mauritius and Bangladesh counterparts. Over 30 heads of state and top EU officials will attend along with leaders of guest nations and international organizations. Host city Delhi is under security wraps. Strict traffic restrictions are in place around the summit venue and hotels. With the stage set and leaders converging, India looks to make its mark globally by hosting the prestigious gathering of the 20 largest economies.