FROM OUR REPORTER
NEW DELHI – In the absence of the Chinese PresidentXi Jinpingwhich Joe Biden he hasn’t spoken since the G20 in Bali, and about Russia Vladimir PutinWashington refuses to accept that the G20, weakened as the main forum for international economic cooperation, no longer plays any role. Biden is focusing on India, which currently holds the G20 presidency, a country that has surpassed China in population and economy. and which seeks to become a spokesman for the interests of the global South. “The most important relationship of the 21st century will be the relationship between the United States and India,” the National Security Council’s Indo-Pacific coordinator told reporters. Kurt Campbellshortly after attending a meeting between Biden and the prime minister in New Delhi. Narendra Modi —. A young, dynamic country interested in education and innovation, a country that connects East and West, North and South. We are seeing the dawning of India’s awareness of the importance of its role.” Biden has spoken or seen Modi a dozen times in two years. “There is a sense of deep commitment, shared purpose and ambition between the two leaders… for a long time the character of dialogue with India has been mistrust, uncertainty and anxiety, and it is only in the last 5-10 years, but especially in the last two years, that this has completely changed.” , Campbell continues. “And there is gratitude that Biden is here. India has been planning this G20 for years, the whole nation is in view… It is disappointing for them that China and Russia are not there.”
After a “pop” meeting at the airport – songs Shah Rukh Khan AND Ed Sheeran loud gunshots and dancers on stages outside the terminal – Biden was received by Modi in the evening at his residence. The meeting is closed to protesting American journalists and looks more like a state visit than a bilateral one.. There was “undeniable warmth and trust” in the face-to-face encounter, Campbell said. Two different leaders: a Hindu nationalist and a moderate democrat, united by their concern for China. New Delhi is also part of BRICS, which China wants to expand to act as a counterweight to the West, and has abstained at the UN on Ukraine., increased imports of Russian gas. The White House does not expect a complete leveling off. “India wants a stable relationship with China, but is not ready to sacrifice its security for trade purposes.” This is leverage for the US.
During the bilateral meeting, the leaders of the two countries also spoke about the plan to create “corridor” from India to Europe what second Axios to be announced this weekend: rail links between the Emirates and Saudi Arabia, connected to Indian ports and that once relations with Riyadh are normalized, Israel will be included. Semiconductors and defense were discussed, including the purchase of American MQ9B SeaGuardian drones. Biden confirmed support for reform of the UN Security Council “with India as a permanent member”. But the meeting between the two leaders was not a state visit; it took place on the eve of the G20 crisis due to the G2 (US and China) competition and the war in Ukraine. Last night the Indians tried to come to a final statement: they left the section on Ukraine empty in the draft. Delhi’s focus is on the South. Zelensky was not invited to India, but the war is hard to ignore. The United States, Canada and the Europeans intended to mention Russian aggression in the final communiqué, but Russia and China opposed this. The final declaration may be adopted without unanimityor with paragraphs expressing different points of view. In the absence of an agreement, New Delhi may be forced to issue a presidential statement, and therefore for the first time in 20 years there will be no final G20 statement.
The draft provides for the inclusion of the African Union with the same status as the EU. and a promise to strengthen and reform the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to help the South finance the energy transition and pay off debts. This is another way for the US to present itself as an alternative to China, which offers much larger loans but with a “coercive model.”