The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for India as it hosted the G20 Summit in the bustling metropolis of New Delhi. While the summit was celebrated for its diplomatic achievements, the staggering financial investment made by the Indian government often remained in the shadows. In this article, we delve deeper into the expenses incurred during the G20 Summit, shedding light on the intricate details of India's financial commitment.
The G20 Summit in New Delhi saw an impressive diplomatic triumph - the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration. This declaration underscored the collective commitment of member countries to address global challenges. However, beyond the diplomatic accolades, the financial aspects of hosting this prestigious international event deserve attention.
India's pledge to host the G20 Summit came with a substantial price tag. The lion's share of the expenses was channeled into the extensive renovation and revitalization of central Delhi. This overhaul was essential to ensure the city's infrastructure was well-equipped to host the world's leaders and delegates. Additionally, the construction of Bharat Mandapam, the designated G20 venue, added to the overall expenditure.
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A tweet claims Govt spent 300% more on #G20 than funds allocated in budget#PIBFactCheck
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 11, 2023
1 This claim is misleading
2 The quoted expenditure is majorly towards permanent asset creation by ITPO & other infrastructure development which is not limited to hosting G20 Summit alone pic.twitter.com/CRGkraJw3J
Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi provided an official breakdown of the allocated funds, offering insights into the government's financial commitment to this international event. Several key departments across Delhi received budgetary allocations to facilitate the smooth execution of the summit. These departments included Delhi Police, Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The cumulative expenditure for India's G20 Summit surpassed a staggering Rs 4000 crore, as reported by PTI.
A substantial portion of this budget, amounting to Rs 340 crore, was specifically designated for the Delhi Police. This allocation was crucial to ensure robust security measures and logistical support for the summit. Additionally, a significant sum of Rs 700 crore was set aside for the construction and repair of roads in the national capital. These infrastructural improvements were deemed essential to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic and logistics during the summit.
Notably, a substantial portion of the allocated funds, exceeding Rs 3600 crore, was attributed to the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). It's imperative to understand that this expenditure extends beyond the G20 Summit and encompasses the creation of permanent assets. These investments are intended to benefit the region in the long term, far beyond the summit's duration.
India's 2023 G20 Summit can proudly claim its spot among the costliest global gatherings to date, with a total expenditure exceeding Rs 4100 crore. However, it's crucial to recognize that India is not alone in allocating substantial financial resources to host the G20 Summit.
China stands out as the host of the most expensive G20 Summit in history. In 2016, when the G20 convened in Hangzhou, China, the host nation made an extravagant financial commitment, with expenditures reaching a staggering Rs 1.9 lakh crore (USD 24 billion), as reported by The Economist.
Canada also made a substantial financial commitment when hosting the G20 Summit in 2010, with expenditures exceeding Rs 4300 crore. Similarly, Australia, in 2014, invested Rs 2653 crore in hosting the G20 Summit, marking a significant event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In conclusion, India's 2023 G20 Summit showcased the nation's dedication to hosting a successful international gathering. It also underscored the substantial financial investment required to ensure its success. While India's expenditure was significant, it is part of a broader trend where other nations have also allocated considerable resources to host this prestigious event.
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