At G20 venue, PM Modi hugs Rishi Sunak, shows replica of Konark Wheel to Joe Biden
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hugged his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the G20 Summit. He also met US President Joe Biden and showed him a replica of the Konark Wheel installed at the spot where the welcome handshake ceremony took place.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hugged his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak while welcoming him and other world leaders for the G20 Summit at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
PM Modi greeted Rishi Sunak and shared a hug with him. A video, reported by news agency ANI, shows the moment being captured.
He also welcomed US President Joe Biden and shook hands with him. After that, the Prime Minister is seen showing and explaining to Joe Biden a replica of the Konark Wheel from the Sun temple in Odisha's Puri, according to a video posted by news agency ANI. The Konark Wheel served as the backdrop of the Prime Minister's welcome handshake with G20 leaders.
The Konark Wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I. The wheel with 24 spokes, which has also been adapted into the Tricolour, embodies India's ancient wisdom, advanced civilisation and architectural excellence.
Its rotating motion symbolises time, 'Kaalchakra', as well as progress and continuous change.
The wheel also serves as a powerful symbol of the wheel of democracy that reflects the resilience of democratic ideals and commitment to progress in society.
Earlier today, PM Modi reached Bharat Mandapam ahead of the two-day meeting of the top world leaders. He was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, among others.
India is hosting the G20 Summit for the first time. The country is also holding the G20 presidency since December 1, 2022 which it assumed from Indonesia.