UPDATE - India proposes virtual G-20 session in November, hands over presidency to Brazil

UPDATES WITH REMARKS FROM INDIAN PREMIER, BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL, Türkiye / NEW DELHI, India (AA) - India on Sunday handed over the G-20 presidency to Brazil and proposed a virtual meeting of the world's biggest economies in November.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and handed over the G-20 presidency during the closing ceremony of the 18th G-20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

In his closing remarks, Modi proposed a G-20 virtual session in November before India’s term ends.

"It is my proposal that we hold another session of the G-20 virtually in November-end. In that session, we can review the issues that have been agreed upon during this summit. Our teams will share the details of it with all of view. I hope all of you will join this (session)," Modi said.

Brazil will take over the presidency of G-20 on Dec. 1.

Speaking on the occasion, the Brazilian president said: “Social inclusion, fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development” would be Brazil’s priorities at G-20.

Lula said the UN Security Council “needs new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to regain political strength.”

“We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF," he added.