Biden’s Presence at G20 Summit Signals Commitment to Effective American Leadership and a Willingness to Embrace Other Nations

The world’s wealthiest countries met this week for the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, and President Joe Biden and his allies announced plans to build a rail and shipping corridor linking India with the Middle East and Europe. The corridor, outlined at the summit, is an ambitious project aimed at fostering economic growth and political cooperation.

Leaders of America’s two main geopolitical foes, China and Russia, stayed home from the summit, a point that Biden administration officials have been happy to emphasize. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the network reflected Biden’s vision for “far reaching investments” that come from “effective American leadership” and a willingness to embrace other nations.

The Biden administration hopes that the symbolism playing out on China’s doorstep won’t be lost on the rest of the world. The president is aiming to create a counterweight to Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region, while also stepping up pressure on Russia to end its war with Ukraine.

On the eve of the summit, Biden’s wife tested positive for Covid, but the president still made the trip. His presence at the summit is seen as a sign of his commitment to effective American leadership and a willingness to embrace other nations. The Biden administration is hoping that the ambitious rail and shipping corridor project will help foster economic growth and political cooperation.