Atlanta: The two-day meeting of foreign ministers of the G-20, a group of the world's 20 major economies, began in Atlanta, USA on Friday. Top diplomats of member countries including Russia and China are participating in the meeting. Differences between the countries on issues related to international security, trade and global economic stability came to the fore even before the meeting began. The traditional group photo event was canceled after several European countries objected to the presence of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is presiding over the meeting. India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has also reached Atlanta to participate in it. This meeting is important in preparation for the G-20 leaders' summit to be hosted by US President Donald Trump in Miami in December.
European countries protest against Russia's presence
Some member countries have raised questions over Russia being invited to the meeting amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Diplomats from several European countries objected to being photographed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and warned to walk out of the group photo session.
According to US officials, Marco Rubio canceled the group photo due to the fear that the controversy would affect the meeting proceedings. However, the meeting of foreign ministers continued as per schedule.
Differences on many issues from Russia-Ukraine war to Iran crisis
The main issues in the G-20 meeting are the Russia-Ukraine conflict, US and Israel's military action against Iran, US import tariffs and China's activities in the South China Sea. These developments are also impacting global energy prices and international trade.
According to US officials, special emphasis will be placed on ensuring freedom of navigation in the meeting. Security of sea lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Black Sea and South China Sea will be discussed. Along with this, Iran, Russia-Ukraine conflict and China's relations with its smaller neighboring countries will also be discussed.
Shadow of possible American attacks on Iran
Amidst the G-20 meeting, there is concern about tension in West Asia and America's possible new military action on Iran. Many countries in the region including Saudi Arabia are worried by this development.
US officials have asked several countries in the Middle East and regional allies to prepare for possible new attacks and retaliation by Iran after the mid-term elections in the US on Tuesday, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
Discussion on energy security and global trade
Energy security, global supply chains and securing maritime trade routes are also being discussed in the meeting. US Secretary of State Rubio has said that the challenges related to energy and food supply, trade and sea routes are interconnected. In such a situation, G-20 countries will have to work together to protect economic stability and common interests.
These issues are of particular importance for India, as the country is dependent on imports of crude oil, LNG and fertilizers for its energy needs. On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar will also discuss with the foreign ministers of the Quad countries. This will include topics related to the Indo-Pacific region, technology, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.