Spain's President Tests Positive For COVID-19, To Skip G20 Summit In New Delhi

On Thursday, Spain's President Pedro Sánchez tested positive for COVID-19, leading to his withdrawal from the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to be held in India. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sánchez conveyed, "I have received a positive COVID-19 test result this afternoon, preventing my participation in the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Fortunately, I am feeling well."

Spain's representation at the G20 Summit will now be entrusted to First Vice President Nadia Calvino, along with the Minister of Economic Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU, and Cooperation, according to Sánchez.

Notably, Sánchez joins the ranks of two other world leaders, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who have also opted not to attend the summit in Delhi.

As for the G20 Summit itself, preparations are underway in the national capital, with the event set to take place at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time that India is presiding over the G20 Summit. The summit is expected to draw the participation of numerous global leaders and delegates.

Substantial efforts and arrangements have been put in place for the summit, aimed at showcasing India's soft power and its modern outlook on the global stage.

The G20, established in 1999, was created to ensure global financial stability by including middle-income countries in the decision-making process.

India took over the G20 presidency on December 1st of the previous year, hosting approximately 200 meetings related to the G20 in 60 cities across the country. The 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi will serve as the culmination of all the G20 processes and meetings held throughout the year, involving ministers, senior officials, and civil society representatives.

At the conclusion of the G20 Summit, leaders will adopt a declaration reaffirming their commitment to the priorities discussed and agreed upon during ministerial and working group meetings.

Looking ahead, Brazil is slated to assume the G20 presidency in 2024, followed by South Africa in 2025.