Map controversy strains India-China relations ahead of G20; Uncertainty surrounds Xi Jinping's attendance

NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend the G20 summit amidst reports that the India-China relationship has once again been strained by a map controversy. It is reported that China has not confirmed whether Xi Jinping will participate in the summit scheduled to be held in Delhi on the 9th and 10th of this month. There are suggestions that Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang may attend in his stead. When queried about this matter at a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that nothing definitive can be shared at this point.

India had strongly reacted to the inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh and portions of eastern Ladakh on China's map leading to diplomatic protests. Additionally, uncertainty surrounds the potential meeting between Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden at the G20 summit. Global leaders are set to convene at the G20 summit in Bali in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously confirmed his absence from the summit, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov poised to attend instead.

Dignitaries slated to arrive in Delhi include

Joe Biden - President of the United States

Emmanuel Macron - President of France

Anthony Albanese - Prime Minister of Australia

Rishi Sunak - Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Within the NSG (National Security Guard) perimeter in Delhi, security arrangements will encompass critical sites, including Pragati Maidan where the G20 Summit will be hosted. Teams specialized in countering drones will be deployed to mitigate the risk of aerial attacks. Their responsibilities will encompass monitoring tall structures. The NSG will collaborate with the Delhi Police and other security forces, prepared to thwart any potential terrorist actions. Moreover, they will be equipped to handle contingencies involving chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.