Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has announced that he will not be attending the G20 dinner scheduled to be hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on September 9, 2023. Citing health reasons, Deve Gowda conveyed his decision to the government and extended his best wishes for the success of the G20 Summit.
In a statement posted on his official social media account, Deve Gowda said, “I will not be attending the G20 dinner organized by the Hon. President of India, Draupadi Murmuji, on 09 September 2023, due to health reasons. I have already communicated this to the government. I wish the G20 summit a grand success.”
Deve Gowda’s decision to abstain from the high-profile event comes as a notable development, given his stature in Indian politics. The Janata Dal (Secular) president’s absence will be felt at the summit, where leaders from around the world are expected to discuss critical global issues.
Another prominent former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has also been invited to the G20 Summit dinner, according to sources cited by ANI. Dr. Singh expressed his satisfaction at witnessing India’s presidency of the G20 Summit, emphasizing the increasing importance of foreign policy in the contemporary world.
Dr. Singh further commended the Indian government’s stance in prioritizing the nation’s sovereign and economic interests during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. He noted that many nations face significant pressure to take sides when confronted with such international disputes.
As the G20 Summit under India’s presidency approaches, dignitaries from across the globe are arriving in Delhi to participate in the event. This gathering of world leaders carries substantial implications for international cooperation and diplomacy.
Recently, a state-issued invitation for the G20 dinner stirred controversy on social media when it was addressed to the ‘President of Bharat’ instead of the customary ‘President of India.’ This alteration led to speculation that the government might be contemplating a shift in the official usage of the country’s English name from ‘India’ to ‘Bharat.’ While this idea garnered enthusiastic support from some quarters, the government has not officially confirmed any such change.
The G20 Summit, which brings together leaders from the world’s major economies, serves as a crucial platform for discussing global economic challenges and fostering international cooperation. The absence of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda at the G20 dinner due to health reasons underscores the importance of the event and highlights the significant role India plays on the global stage.