NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined a comprehensive set of directives for ministers participating in the forthcoming two-day G20 Summit. The aim is to ensure the seamless experience of visiting dignitaries and to uphold a high standard of protocol. 

According to reliable sources, the Prime Minister has urged ministers to forego their official vehicles in favor of utilizing the shuttle service for transportation to various venues, including the Bharat Mandapam.

Furthermore, PM Modi emphasized the importance of embracing technology by instructing ministers to download and effectively utilize the G20 India mobile app. This application provides valuable translation and other features to facilitate smoother communication with foreign dignitaries. These directives were communicated during a recent Union Council of Ministers meeting.

The G20 Summit, scheduled for September 9-10, is expected to host approximately 40 world leaders, including representatives from international organizations. Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra delivered an in-depth briefing on protocol and related matters to prepare the ministers for their roles. Some ministers may even act as stand-ins for world leaders who have begun to arrive for the summit.

During an informal gathering preceding the Union Cabinet meeting, ministers were reminded of the summit's significance for India's global image and standing. The discussion, which lasted nearly an hour, underscored the importance of the event.

Meanwhile, India's G20 presidency has earned commendation for its emphasis on inclusivity, digital infrastructure development, and efforts to engage the African Union in the group's activities. Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte South Asia, expressed his appreciation, stating that the decision to hold G20 meetings in various Indian cities has also led to positive outcomes in trade, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Regarding the proposal to integrate the African Union into the G20, Shetty emphasized the potential benefits, citing Africa's substantial population of one billion people. Such inclusion could significantly enhance trade opportunities between Africa, Asia, and the rest of the world. India's commitment to inclusivity and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's insistence on leaving no one behind are evident in these efforts to integrate Africa into the G20 framework.

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