Led By PM Modi, G20 Leaders Pay Homage To Mahatma Gandhi At Rajghat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed G20 leaders on a rainy Sunday (10 September) at Rajghat, where they gathered to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

"At the iconic Rajghat, the G20 family paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi - the beacon of peace, service, compassion and non-violence," the Prime Minister said on X.

"As diverse nations converge, Gandhi Ji’s timeless ideals guide our collective vision for a harmonious, inclusive and prosperous global future," he added.

Among the early arrivals at the New Delhi venue were United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, IMF head Kristalina Georgieva, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

US President Joe Biden, UK PM Rishi Sunak, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, Premier of the People's Republic of China Li Qiang, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were among the world leaders and representatives assembled at Rajghat to offer their respects to Mahatma Gandhi and place a wreath in his honour.

To greet the dignitaries, PM Modi offered them an 'angvastram' or stole, standing in front of a backdrop displaying an image of 'Bapu Kuti'.

'Bapu Kuti' holds historical significance as it was the residence of Mahatma Gandhi from 1936 until his passing in 1948.

Located at Sevagram ashram near Wardha in Maharashtra, it remains a symbol of his legacy.

The significance of 'Bapu Kuti' was explained by PM Modi to the leaders.

After paying tributes to the Mahatma, the leaders were to sign on the 'Peace Wall' at the Leaders' Lounge.

Leaders and heads of delegations then proceeded to Bharat Mandapam, where they took part in a tree-planting ceremony at the South Plaza.

India has received saplings from 17 different countries, which will be planted by the visiting leaders.

Saplings of native plants have been imported from 10 G20 member countries and seven other countries.

The third and final session of the summit, titled 'One Future,' is in progress currently.