Biden arrives in India ahead of G-20 leaders summit

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden touched down in New Delhi, India Friday ahead of a pivotal G-20 leaders summit.

Biden is slated to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a face-to-face before concluding his formal events for the day.

The US president will take part in an official arrival ceremony with Modi Saturday morning before beginning his participation in the two-day G-20 summit.

The meeting comes as the US seeks to add momentum to its efforts to counter China on the global stage.

Addressing reporters en route to India, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US "has a deep stake in stewarding the G-20 and making sure that it remains a central mechanism for global coordination on all the major challenges we face."

Chinese President Xi Jinping has opted not to attend this weekend's gathering in what marks one of its most high-profile absences. Russian President Vladimir Putin will also not be among the crowd due to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in March for his actions in the Ukraine war.

On Sunday, Biden and other G-20 leaders will visit India's Raj Ghat Memorial in Delhi, which commemorates the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

He will then depart India for Vietnam where he will pay a one-day visit to the Southeast Asian country to meet with leaders, including Prime Minister Pham Minh China before departing for a Sept. 11 memorial service in Alaska.