G20 Summit: PM Modi to chair virtual meet amid Israel-Hamas war, Canada PM Justin Trudeau confirms participation
Narendra Modi is set to chair The G20 virtual summit today on November 22, amid growing international concerns due to the Israel-Hamas war and shaky diplomatic relations with Canada. Significantly, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed attendance at the event. This would be Trudeau's first virtual interaction with Modi since the two countries' relationship turned sour.
Diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been strained since Khalistani separatist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Nijjar was assassinated. Canada blames India for the killing, while India has denied its involvement. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang have also accepted India's invitation to the meet.
Notably, both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping had given the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi a miss. It was held on September 9 and 10 this year. The situation in Gaza is expected to be a major talking point during the meeting as the Israel-Hamas war continues for the sixth week.
The large civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis are expected to be brought up. Qatar today announced that it has brokered a truce-for-hostages agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a crucial step towards a temporary ceasefire, AP reported. The deal is set to bring a much-needed four-day halt in the fighting and secure the release of numerous hostages.
Qatar's foreign ministry said details of the truce would be released tomorrow, AP added. About 50 Israeli hostages are expected to be gradually released by Hamas in exchange for around 150 Palestinian prisoners from Israel -- mostly women and children. India's G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, anticipates robust participation and views this as a "unique opportunity" for Modi to
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