Leaders from the United States, Britain, Japan, and other countries have arrived in New Delhi, India to participate in the G20 conference. The summit, which is being held tomorrow and the day after, is expected to bring together powerful leaders from 20 countries.
In anticipation of the conference, New Delhi is buzzing with festivities and the city is lit up with lights. However, due to the visit of foreign leaders, strict restrictions have been imposed on the movement of people and vehicles for three days to ensure security.
US President Joe Biden arrived in Delhi today, where he was welcomed by Union Minister VK Singh and others. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez was the first president to arrive in New Delhi, receiving a warm welcome upon his arrival.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also arrived in Delhi, where he was greeted by Union Ministers. During his welcome, Sunak said Namaste, a traditional Indian greeting.
Japanese Prime Minister Bimiyo Kishida and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also arrived in Delhi, following the earlier arrivals of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and African Union President Assali Azoumani.
India holds the leadership of the G20 organization this year, and sector meetings involving ministers from G20 countries have been successfully conducted across the country over the past year.
The main conference will take place in New Delhi tomorrow and the day after, and the city has implemented extensive security measures. Traffic restrictions went into effect yesterday, with most offices and commercial establishments declaring a holiday. Goods vehicle movement has been banned until midnight on the 10th, and public transport, including taxis and autos, will be restricted until then as well.
The New Delhi district has been declared a containment zone until the 10th, with strict restrictions on entry into surrounding areas. Only authorized vehicles are permitted for essential services such as cleaning and waste management for hotels and hospitals. Commercial establishments, markets, and cloud kitchen kitchens will be closed until the 10th, with online delivery services for food and essential items banned in the restricted zone.
Given the participation of leaders from countries such as the US, Britain, China, Canada, and Australia, extreme security arrangements have been made. Thousands of policemen and sniper gunmen have been deployed throughout the city, and the Air Force has fighter planes at the ready. The movement of drones in the New Delhi airspace is being closely monitored.
To combat mosquito infestation in the area around the conference venue, eight teams have been set up and large numbers of fish that eat mosquito eggs have been released into the 180 lakes and springs.
Several hotels in New Delhi are accommodating the leaders during their stay. US President Joe Biden is staying at the ITC Maurya Hotel, while Rishi Sunak is at the Shangri-La Hotel. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will reside at the Taj Hotel, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Lalit Hotel, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Imperial Hotel.