Ahead of its President Joe Biden's travel to India to attend the G20 Summit, the US has endorsed its commitment to working with emerging market partners.
National Security Advisor of the US Jake Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday that the US's commitment to the G20 hasn’t wavered. "As the President heads to the G20, he is committed to working with emerging market partners to deliver big things together. That’s what we believe the world will see in New Delhi this weekend," he said.
"We hope this G20 Summit will show that the world’s major economies can work together even in challenging times," he added.
India is hosting the annual G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10.
Sullivan said the focus of his country is going to be on delivering for developing countries; making progress on key priorities for the American people, from climate to technology. The US will show its commitment to the G20 as a forum that can actually deliver. "And thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and India’s presidency, we hope we’ll be able to do all of those things," he added.
He also said that the US was looking forward to welcoming the African Union (AU) as the newest permanent member of the bloc. "We’re also looking forward to warmly welcoming the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 — the newest permanent member. We believe that the African Union’s voice will make the G20 stronger," the White House official said.
On Chinese President Xi Jinping staying away from the Summit, the spokesperson said it was for China to decide what role it plays at the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
"As far as the question of tensions between India and China affecting the (G20) summit - really that's up to China. If China wants to come in and play the role of spoiler, of course, that option is available to them, he said.
"What I think the Chair, India, will encourage them to do what we, the United States and every other member, virtually every other member of the G20 will do, is encourage them to come in, in a constructive way on climate, on multilateral development, bank reform, on debt relief, on technology and set aside the geopolitical questions and really focus on problem-solving and delivering for the developing countries," Sullivan said.
Instead of Xi, Premier Li Qiang will attend the 18th G20 Summit.
(With inputs from PTI)
