G20 Photo Op: PM Narendra Modi At Centre; Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau Missing - Reason

Outgoing US President, 81-year-old Joe Biden was inadvertently missing at the traditional photo of G20 leaders, reported AP. The customary ‘family photo’ of the Group of 20 leaders is customary after every G20 meeting.  

What Happened?

Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strolled up after photographers had already taken the official picture, as other world leaders milled about chatting after having smiled and raised linked hands for the photo. The timing left Chinese President Xi Jinping front and center among the rows of leaders posed against blue skies and blue water in Rio de Janeiro. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stood, less visible, in a back row, as reported by AP. Biden and Trudeau arrived together at the designated spot for the photo, standing and looking about for a time. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also did not join in the group photo, a set piece of such summits.

Why Was Joe Biden Late?

US officials attributed Biden’s absence to timing. A senior Biden administration official, who was not authorized to comment publicly, said Biden and other leaders missed the photo because of “logistical issues.” Biden had intended to be part of the photo, but it occurred earlier than scheduled, AP said. The picture was over in a few seconds, and was shot in the backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of Brazil's iconic locations.

G20 is currently underway at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, where world leaders met on November 18 and 19, 2024. Prime Minister Modi met several global leaders on the sideline, including Indonesia, Portugal, England, and Norway.Modi also met French president Emmanuel Macaron, with discussion focused around closely working in sectors of space, energy, AI, etc. They also reaffirmed their commitment to India-France strategic partnership, as well as their shared vision for Horizon 2047 map. They also revisited the cooperation on India’s National Museum project.