US President Joe Biden sets off for G20 Summit in India as China, Russia absent

United States President Joe Biden has left for India to attend the G20 Summit, with Air Force One taking off from Joint Base Andrews near Washington. The plane is scheduled to land in New Delhi on Friday. The summit does not include China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, elevating the importance of Biden’s participation. “I’m headed to the G20 – the premier forum for international economic cooperation – focused on making progress on Americans’ priorities, delivering for developing nations, and showing our commitment to the G20 as a forum that can deliver,” said Biden.

Biden’s Agenda in the G20 Summit

“As the president heads to the G20, he’s committed to working with emerging market partners to deliver big things together,” stated Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor. Biden tested negative for coronavirus just before his departure, clearing him for international travel after his wife Jill Biden tested positive earlier this week but subsequently tested negative.

Geopolitical Tensions Reflected in Absences

Chinese Premier Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 Summit, amid heightened geopolitical and trade tensions between the United States, China, and India. Last week, Biden expressed disappointment over Xi’s absence, seeing it as an opportunity for the U.S. to exert its influence. Russian President Vladimir Putin also remains absent but will deliver a video address, amid ongoing tensions over Russia’s activities in Ukraine.

Biden’s Economic Plans

White House officials indicate that Biden aims to increase emerging nations’ lending power from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund by about $200 billion, offering an alternative to Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Sullivan said that the U.S. wants to show that the G20 can deliver effectively, particularly as BRICS nations gain prominence.

Vietnam Visit to Follow

Following the G20 Summit in India, Biden will travel to Vietnam to improve relations with the former adversary, with the intention of countering China’s increasing regional assertiveness. This adds another layer to the intricate web of geopolitical relations shaping this year’s G20 Summit.

The Indian Perspective

Sullivan noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other global leaders would “encourage China to come in a constructive way,” emphasizing the importance of India in international economic cooperation discussions at the G20.

President Biden’s departure for the G20 Summit comes at a critical time, as the world watches how the U.S. will navigate its relationships with emerging market partners, China, and Russia in a complex geopolitical landscape.