New Delhi will be hosting a significant virtual meeting of G20 leaders on Wednesday, including the world's largest economies and the African Union. Convened by India, this global gathering comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin will make his first appearance at the G20 in at least two years, while US President Joe Biden will be absent due to Thanksgiving, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen representing the United States.

Amidst the diplomatic standoff between New Delhi and Ottawa, this meeting will also mark the first virtual encounter between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the diplomatic relations between both countries had turned bitter following Trudeau's return from India to Ottawa in September, this virtual meeting presents an opportunity for dialogue.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the G20 meeting, with Premier Li Qiang representing China instead. The absence of President Jinping has left room for speculation about China's role and involvement in the discussions.

The Indian officials have indicated that the development agenda will be the primary focus of the meeting. However, given the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, it is anticipated that this issue might also be a key talking point among the leaders. Amitabh Kant, India's sherpa for the G20, stated, "While development will be the core agenda and we will focus on the development issue, the leaders may discuss other issues."

Indian foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized the significance of Prime Minister Modi hosting the G20 leaders twice within a short span of two months. This unique opportunity showcases India's convening power and global leadership. Kwatra also highlighted India's hosting of four meetings with the participation of over 150 world leaders in a single year, demonstrating the country's leadership on the global stage.

India's successful hosting of the G20 summit in September led to a rare consensus among the leaders, even amidst the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Significant progress has been made on various issues, including climate financing, multilateral development bank reforms, and the establishment of a framework for ethical artificial intelligence based on Unesco's principles.

The virtual meeting of the G20 leaders presents an opportunity for meaningful discussions on global challenges and development issues. As the world continues to grapple with the fallout of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the G20 meeting allows leaders to address pressing concerns and work towards collective solutions.

Overall, this meeting marks an important milestone in global diplomacy, showcasing the commitment of world leaders to collaborate and navigate through tumultuous times. As the virtual gathering commences, all eyes will be on the discussions and outcomes that will shape the future course of action for the world's largest economies and the African Union.