After the recent G20 summit in Argentina, it is clear that global groups do not have the ability, strength and willingness to collaborate for creating a better world.&nbsp;

World powers are hopelessly divided over several issues. The deep divisions between Russia, US, EU, China, India, the oil majors and emerging economies is creating an environment where no one can really depend on anyone else.&nbsp;

And this does not include the increasingly irrelevant United Kingdom, which is still thrashing around with the Brexit noose around its neck. &nbsp;

The relationships between all these countries will become more complex before it eases off. For decades, western powers evangelised a type of globalisation that benefitted them more than the others. As Asian economies began to realise the unjust rules that had been foisted on the world, they revolted.&nbsp;

When they demanded equal access to their markets, western countries had to step back. Much of this tussle led to the near collapse of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which appeared to have been created only to open emerging economies while protecting western markets.&nbsp;

Despite this, countries like India, China and Brazil managed to create economic strengths that could rival, or at least threaten the control of western economies.&nbsp;

As manufacturing shifted to China and services moved to countries like India and South East Asia, Europe and the US realised the weaknesses in their own economies.&nbsp;

Western powers used WTO to attack protectionism in emerging markets for decades. It was normal for visiting delegations to demand greater access in sectors with higher FDI limits. Now, the biggest howls to protect markets are emerging from EU and US.&nbsp;

The trade war between China and the US is the most prominent symbol of such a shift in attitudes. In many ways, China is clearing the way for emerging economies to follow. Develop internal strengths that can compete with the best in the world.&nbsp;

Security is the other dimension that grabbed the attention of the G20 leaders. However, there is not much that they can do. Russia is having its way in Ukraine. Saudi Arabia continues with its illiberal ways. US is refusing to fund NATO even as the EU wonders whether it has the resources to manage its own security.&nbsp;

In such a scenario, it is important that Asia determines its own future. Long dependent and impacted by the policies of the West, it is time that it created a new Asian order for itself.&nbsp;

At the recent Horasis Asia Summit in Vietnam, the former Director General of WTO and ex-Secretary General of UNCTAD, Supachai Panitchpakdi, was emphatic about self-reliance in the region. “We need a spirit of collaboration in Asia that can allow it to overcome its differences to become a formidable force in the world,” he stated.&nbsp;

For this, Asian countries have to create new frameworks of collaboration, which allow healthy competition and cooperation. The centre of economic gravity is shifting to Asia.&nbsp;

According to IMF’s regional economic outlook, China’s growth is projected to ease to 6.6 per cent, partly reflecting the authorities’ financial, housing, and fiscal tightening measures.&nbsp;

Progress in Japan has been above potential for eight consecutive quarters and is expected to remain strong this year at 1.2 per cent. And in India, growth is expected to rebound to 7.4 per cent, following temporary disruptions related to the currency exchange initiative and the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax.

The IMF goes on to say that Asia is expected to grow by around 5½ per cent this year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global growth, and the region remains the world’s most dynamic by a considerable margin.

Add to this, growing consuming populations. A study by Brookings points out that half the world is now middle class or wealthier and most of it will be in Asia.&nbsp;

Calculations by authors Homi Kharas and Kristofer Hamel suggest that the middle-class markets in China and India in 2030 will account for $14.1 trillion and $12.3 trillion respectively, comparable in size to a US middle-class market at that time of $15.9 trillion.

The implication is clear. Asia will lead the world consumption and thus set the tone for economic growth.&nbsp;

Several initiatives have come up in recent years to bring Asia closer together. The most important among these is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). &nbsp;RCEP has the potential to become more than a free trade agreement and become a binding force for Asian economic giants. If negotiated in a fair manner, the agreement will enhance internal trade, investment and security linkages within Asia.&nbsp;

Several experts have cautioned India against being part of RCEP. The Indian government itself is in the process of listening to experts on the best way ahead at regional trade grouping. For India, it does make eminent sense to be an active and important voice in RCEP. This could help in creating an Asian order that decides its own future.&nbsp;

Even as the western economies resolve their internal issues, Asia has the opportunity to make the most of its resources to be the economic centre of gravity of the world.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-time-for-a-new-asian-order-2692343">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

After the recent G20 summit in Argentina, it is clear that global groups do not have the ability, strength and willingness to collaborate for creating a better world.

After the recent G20 summit in Argentina, it is clear that global groups do not have the ability, strength and willingness to collaborate for creating a better world. World powers are hopelessly divided over several issues. The deep divisions between Russia, US, EU, China, India, the oil majors and emerging economies is creating an environment where no one can really depend on anyone else. And this does not include the increasingly irrelevant United Kingdom, which is still thrashing around with the Brexit noose around its neck. The relationships between all these countries will become more complex before it eases off. For decades, western powers evangelised a type of globalisation that benefitted them more than the others. As Asian economies began to realise the unjust rules that had been foisted on the world, they revolted. When they demanded equal access to their markets, western countries had to step back. Much of this tussle led to the near collapse of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which appeared to have been created only to open emerging economies while protecting western markets. Despite this, countries like India, China and Brazil managed to create economic strengths that could rival, or at least threaten the control of western economies. As manufacturing shifted to China and services moved to countries like India and South East Asia, Europe and the US realised the weaknesses in their own economies. Western powers used WTO to attack protectionism in emerging markets for decades. It was normal for visiting delegations to demand greater access in sectors with higher FDI limits. Now, the biggest howls to protect markets are emerging from EU and US. The trade war between China and the US is the most prominent symbol of such a shift in attitudes. In many ways, China is clearing the way for emerging economies to follow. Develop internal strengths that can compete with the best in the world. Security is the other dimension that grabbed the attention of the G20 leaders. However, there is not much that they can do. Russia is having its way in Ukraine. Saudi Arabia continues with its illiberal ways. US is refusing to fund NATO even as the EU wonders whether it has the resources to manage its own security. In such a scenario, it is important that Asia determines its own future. Long dependent and impacted by the policies of the West, it is time that it created a new Asian order for itself. At the recent Horasis Asia Summit in Vietnam, the former Director General of WTO and ex-Secretary General of UNCTAD, Supachai Panitchpakdi, was emphatic about self-reliance in the region. “We need a spirit of collaboration in Asia that can allow it to overcome its differences to become a formidable force in the world,” he stated. For this, Asian countries have to create new frameworks of collaboration, which allow healthy competition and cooperation. The centre of economic gravity is shifting to Asia. According to IMF’s regional economic outlook, China’s growth is projected to ease to 6.6 per cent, partly reflecting the authorities’ financial, housing, and fiscal tightening measures. Progress in Japan has been above potential for eight consecutive quarters and is expected to remain strong this year at 1.2 per cent. And in India, growth is expected to rebound to 7.4 per cent, following temporary disruptions related to the currency exchange initiative and the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax. The IMF goes on to say that Asia is expected to grow by around 5½ per cent this year, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global growth, and the region remains the world’s most dynamic by a considerable margin. Add to this, growing consuming populations. A study by Brookings points out that half the world is now middle class or wealthier and most of it will be in Asia. Calculations by authors Homi Kharas and Kristofer Hamel suggest that the middle-class markets in China and India in 2030 will account for $14.1 trillion and $12.3 trillion respectively, comparable in size to a US middle-class market at that time of $15.9 trillion. The implication is clear. Asia will lead the world consumption and thus set the tone for economic growth. Several initiatives have come up in recent years to bring Asia closer together. The most important among these is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). RCEP has the potential to become more than a free trade agreement and become a binding force for Asian economic giants. If negotiated in a fair manner, the agreement will enhance internal trade, investment and security linkages within Asia. Several experts have cautioned India against being part of RCEP. The Indian government itself is in the process of listening to experts on the best way ahead at regional trade grouping. For India, it does make eminent sense to be an active and important voice in RCEP. This could help in creating an Asian order that decides its own future. Even as the western economies resolve their internal issues, Asia has the opportunity to make the most of its resources to be the economic centre of gravity of the world. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Centre of economic gravity is shifting to Asia

At the G20 Summit, there was a high-five from Vladimir Putin. And for Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, it was business as usual.

At home, Saudi Arabia’s media trumpeted Mohammed bin Salman’s meetings with world leaders, tweeting pictures of his encounters, which also included the presidents of South Korea, Mexico, and South Africa.

However, Western leaders appeared to avoid the crown prince during the family photo at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires – after almost two months of global outrage at the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The only Arab leader there, the prince stood rather isolated at the end of the line, at times looking uncertain and nervous.

US President Donald Trump, Prince Mohammed’s most vocal backer, did not have time for a one-on-one meeting. Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri kept the prince hanging on when it came to finding time to talk.

During an informal conversation on the sidelines of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron was overheard admonishing Mohammed, saying he “never listened”, while the crown prince tried to assure him that “it’s OK”. French officials later said the men were discussing the killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and the war in Yemen.

Similarly, British Prime Minister Theresa May opted to focus on those two topics, rather than economics and trade as her country struggles with the uncertainty of Brexit, the UK’s departure from the European Union. May insisted Riyadh needed “to build confidence that such a deplorable incident could not happen again”, referring to the Saudi team sent to Turkey to murder Khashoggi.

The message Prince Mohammed probably took home from the G20 summit was that illiberal democratic, authoritarian and autocratic leaders were happy to do business with the kingdom and the crown prince despite persistent assertions that he ordered the killing.

Trump and western Europe’s leaders appeared to play to public opinion but do nothing to threaten their relations with the kingdom. The US president also chose not to have a formal meeting with Prince Mohammed’s foremost detractor, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The crown prince may also have been heartened that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, which Saudi Arabia had a diplomatic row with earlier this year, was the only leader to raise the Khashoggi issue during the G20’s formal proceedings.

Other US allies made clear the kingdom’s financial largesse and willingness to guarantee the flow of oil would go a long way to ensure they would choose realism above principle.

The Saudi Press Agency reported after Mohammed’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the crown prince pledged to meet India’s oil and petroleum product needs.

Prince Mohammed may have achieved his goal of showing Saudi Arabia – specifically himself – remained a player by attending the G20 summit, despite the storm surrounding Khashoggi’s death still raging.

But the prince is not out of the woods yet. The kingdom, eager to project itself as a regional and world power, has suffered significant damage to its reputation which will take time and hard work to repair.

Just how hard depends on whether the US Congress decides to sanction Riyadh, if the Europeans will follow suit, and on Turkey successfully pushing for an international investigation into the killing.

“We have never seen Khashoggi’s murder as a political issue,” Erdogan told a news conference in Buenos Aires. “For Turkey, the incident is and will remain a flagrant murder within the Islamic world. International public opinion will not be satisfied until all those responsible for his death are revealed.”

He described Saudi Arabia’s response to the killing as “unbelievable”.

The US Senate, meanwhile, pushed forward last week – despite opposition from Trump – with a resolution that would end American military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, a conflict which has cause a major humanitarian crisis.

Prince Mohammed’s case was not helped by the leak of a CIA report saying he sent 11 messages to Saud al-Qahtani – a former close aide – at the time Khashoggi was killed. However, the intelligence agency admitted it lacked direct evidence of the crown prince “issuing a kill order”.

Qahtani has been accused of overseeing the killing and been fired from his position as Mohammed’s adviser and information tsar. He has also been sanctioned by Washington.

The CIA claims Prince Mohammed told associates in August 2017 they “could possibly lure [Khashoggi] outside Saudi Arabia and make arrangements” if the Washington Post columnist refused to return to the kingdom from the US.

Nevertheless, the G20 summit suggests Prince Mohammed and the kingdom have taken their first step towards putting the Khashoggi affair behind them. Even if US lawmakers slap sanctions on the kingdom, the prince is likely to remain secure in his position as king-in-waiting.

Keeping Khashoggi in the headlines will prove increasingly difficult as it seems much of the world has signalled that it is moving on. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At the G20 Summit, there was a high-five from Vladimir Putin. And for Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, it was business as usual. At home, Saudi Arabia’s media trumpeted Mohammed bin Salman’s meetings with world leaders, tweeting pictures of his encounters, which also included the presidents of South Korea, Mexico, and South Africa.

At the G20 Summit, there was a high-five from Vladimir Putin. And for Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, it was business as usual. At home, Saudi Arabia’s media trumpeted Mohammed bin Salman’s meetings with world leaders, tweeting pictures of his encounters, which also included the presidents of South Korea, Mexico, and South Africa. However, Western leaders appeared to avoid the crown prince during the family photo at the Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires – after almost two months of global outrage at the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The only Arab leader there, the prince stood rather isolated at the end of the line, at times looking uncertain and nervous. US President Donald Trump, Prince Mohammed’s most vocal backer, did not have time for a one-on-one meeting. Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri kept the prince hanging on when it came to finding time to talk. During an informal conversation on the sidelines of the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron was overheard admonishing Mohammed, saying he “never listened”, while the crown prince tried to assure him that “it’s OK”. French officials later said the men were discussing the killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and the war in Yemen. Similarly, British Prime Minister Theresa May opted to focus on those two topics, rather than economics and trade as her country struggles with the uncertainty of Brexit, the UK’s departure from the European Union. May insisted Riyadh needed “to build confidence that such a deplorable incident could not happen again”, referring to the Saudi team sent to Turkey to murder Khashoggi. The message Prince Mohammed probably took home from the G20 summit was that illiberal democratic, authoritarian and autocratic leaders were happy to do business with the kingdom and the crown prince despite persistent assertions that he ordered the killing. Trump and western Europe’s leaders appeared to play to public opinion but do nothing to threaten their relations with the kingdom. The US president also chose not to have a formal meeting with Prince Mohammed’s foremost detractor, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The crown prince may also have been heartened that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, which Saudi Arabia had a diplomatic row with earlier this year, was the only leader to raise the Khashoggi issue during the G20’s formal proceedings. Other US allies made clear the kingdom’s financial largesse and willingness to guarantee the flow of oil would go a long way to ensure they would choose realism above principle. The Saudi Press Agency reported after Mohammed’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the crown prince pledged to meet India’s oil and petroleum product needs. Prince Mohammed may have achieved his goal of showing Saudi Arabia – specifically himself – remained a player by attending the G20 summit, despite the storm surrounding Khashoggi’s death still raging. But the prince is not out of the woods yet. The kingdom, eager to project itself as a regional and world power, has suffered significant damage to its reputation which will take time and hard work to repair. Just how hard depends on whether the US Congress decides to sanction Riyadh, if the Europeans will follow suit, and on Turkey successfully pushing for an international investigation into the killing. “We have never seen Khashoggi’s murder as a political issue,” Erdogan told a news conference in Buenos Aires. “For Turkey, the incident is and will remain a flagrant murder within the Islamic world. International public opinion will not be satisfied until all those responsible for his death are revealed.” He described Saudi Arabia’s response to the killing as “unbelievable”. The US Senate, meanwhile, pushed forward last week – despite opposition from Trump – with a resolution that would end American military support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen, a conflict which has cause a major humanitarian crisis. Prince Mohammed’s case was not helped by the leak of a CIA report saying he sent 11 messages to Saud al-Qahtani – a former close aide – at the time Khashoggi was killed. However, the intelligence agency admitted it lacked direct evidence of the crown prince “issuing a kill order”. Qahtani has been accused of overseeing the killing and been fired from his position as Mohammed’s adviser and information tsar. He has also been sanctioned by Washington. The CIA claims Prince Mohammed told associates in August 2017 they “could possibly lure [Khashoggi] outside Saudi Arabia and make arrangements” if the Washington Post columnist refused to return to the kingdom from the US. Nevertheless, the G20 summit suggests Prince Mohammed and the kingdom have taken their first step towards putting the Khashoggi affair behind them. Even if US lawmakers slap sanctions on the kingdom, the prince is likely to remain secure in his position as king-in-waiting. Keeping Khashoggi in the headlines will prove increasingly difficult as it seems much of the world has signalled that it is moving on. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Royal road ahead: It was business as usual for Saudi Crown Prince at G20 summit

Kremlin spokesperson&nbsp;on Monday defended the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-exchanges-high-five-with-saudi-crown-prince-at-g20-summit-180624">heartily high-five between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman</a>&nbsp;saying&nbsp;that "good personal relations are the basis for effective bilateral cooperation".

He also said that Russia is interested in continuing relations with the OPEC and non-OPEC group of oil producers, and that Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed this issue at their meeting.

While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit.

Putin who took the seat next to the Crown prince at the plenary session at the G20 Summit laughed heartily with him while exchanging the high-five.

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Putin's friendly behaviour towards the crown prince contrasted sharply with that of other leaders at the summit who sidelined the crown prince over the suspicious <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-was-in-constant-touch-with-khashoggi-kill-team-wsj-181054">killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate</a> in Istanbul in October.

Prince <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-sidelined-in-g20-family-photo-180611">Mohammed was also sidelined during the official "family photo" of world leaders</a> at Friday's gathering. He then quickly exited the stage without shaking hands or talking with the other leaders.

There has been rising furore regarding a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that hints at Salman's hand in Khashoggi's killing. The US president has refused to confirm the findings, while continuously reiterating the importance of having Saudi Arabia as an ally.

Russia has also refrained from criticising Saudi Arabia or the crown prince over the killing. Putin said in October he lacked information about the matter and said Russia would not tear up its relations with Saudi Arabia because of it.

However, Moscow has also fostered strong ties with Saudi Arabia's regional arch-foe Iran. Russia and Iran back President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, while Saudi Arabia along with Western countries has backed some rebel groups.

Kremlin spokesperson on Monday defended the heartily high-five between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman saying that "good personal relations are the basis for effective bilateral cooperation".

Kremlin spokesperson on Monday defended the heartily high-five between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Prince Mohammed Bin Salman saying that "good personal relations are the basis for effective bilateral cooperation". He also said that Russia is interested in continuing relations with the OPEC and non-OPEC group of oil producers, and that Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed this issue at their meeting. While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit. Putin who took the seat next to the Crown prince at the plenary session at the G20 Summit laughed heartily with him while exchanging the high-five. × Putin's friendly behaviour towards the crown prince contrasted sharply with that of other leaders at the summit who sidelined the crown prince over the suspicious killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Prince Mohammed was also sidelined during the official "family photo" of world leaders at Friday's gathering. He then quickly exited the stage without shaking hands or talking with the other leaders. There has been rising furore regarding a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that hints at Salman's hand in Khashoggi's killing. The US president has refused to confirm the findings, while continuously reiterating the importance of having Saudi Arabia as an ally. Russia has also refrained from criticising Saudi Arabia or the crown prince over the killing. Putin said in October he lacked information about the matter and said Russia would not tear up its relations with Saudi Arabia because of it. However, Moscow has also fostered strong ties with Saudi Arabia's regional arch-foe Iran. Russia and Iran back President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, while Saudi Arabia along with Western countries has backed some rebel groups.

Kremlin defends Putin 'high-five' with crown prince at G-20 summit

By Tony Walker

The United States and China have arrived at a temporary truce in a trade conflict that was threatening to further destabilise world equity markets, entrench a global slowdown and cause more damage to a rules-based international order.

Agreement by US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to allow further negotiations before threatened tariff increases on Chinese imports coming into effect, is a welcome development.

However, this is a temporary respite, a short-term fix, not a long-term solution to myriad trade and other tensions that have put the US and China at odds with each other.

For their own purposes and in their own interests, Trump and Xi have come away from the Argentine capital with a deal that papers over differences that extend from China’s activities in the South China Sea to its mercantilist trade policies.

As far as we know, China’s ruthless assertion of its sovereignty over disputed waters in the South China Sea was not a material subject for discussion in Buenos Aires except, possibly, in passing.

China’s rise and America’s relative decline ensure these global economic superpowers will continue to bump up against each other.

So, what was achieved and what are the prospects for an accord reached on the sidelines of the G20?

In their efforts to lower trade tensions and prevent a further erosion of global confidence, Trump and Xi agreed to a 90-day extension on the imposition of additional US tariffs on some $200 billion of Chinese imports.

Trump had threatened to increase tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on an initial batch of Chinese imports from January 1. He had also flagged his intention to impose levies on another $267 billion worth of imports if progress was not made in resolving broad-based trade differences.

A joint statement laid out a timeline for continuing negotiations. It reads:

"Both parties agree that they will endeavour to have this transaction completed within the next 90 days. If, at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10 per cent tariffs will be raised to 25 percent."

In return for these temporary concessions, China agreed to:

"… purchase a not yet agreed upon, but very substantial, amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries. China has agreed to start purchasing agricultural product immediately."

China also agreed to crack down on sales of Fentanyl by making it a controlled substance. The US is battling an opioid crisis in which Fentanyl is a lethal component.

In retaliation for US trade actions, China had imposed duties on US$110 billion of imports. A principal component of this is soybeans, effectively killing one of America’s more lucrative export markets.

Trump has been under huge pressure from his Mid-Western rural heartland over a collapse in the Chinese market for American agricultural products.

The two sides also agreed to address structural problems in the trading relationship. These extend to five areas – forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft.

These are highly complex issues and unlikely to be resolved in the short term, if at all.

In the wash-up of the Xi-Trump discussions, it appears China has got more out of the deal than the US – at least for now. It has secured a stay of execution for the implementation of tariff increases and forestalled, for the time being, tariffs on an additional bloc of Chinese exports.

In return, it has agreed to buy unspecified quantities of US products and to talk about differences.

Trump’s willingness to compromise after months of bombast reflects pressures from a shellshocked grain-producing constituency and alarm on Wall Street at prospects of a full-blown trade war.

From Beijing’s perspective, China has demonstrated that its growing economic heft has enabled it to avoid the appearance of yielding to US pressure.

If not a “win-win” for China – as Chinese officials are fond of saying – it is certainly not a “lose-lose”.

In a statement at odds with months of fire-breathing rhetoric over China’s allegedly perfidious trade practices, Trump hailed his understanding with Xi. He said: "This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the US and China."

For their part, Chinese officials were more circumspect.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the talks were conducted in a “friendly and candid atmosphere”. The presidents: "Agreed that the two sides can and must get bilateral relations right… China is willing to increase imports in accordance with the needs of its domestic market and the people’s needs."

Impetus for a face-saving deal in Buenos Aires has been prompted by growing concerns about the global economy. The signs of a slowdown are clear. Trade volumes had begun to moderate in the third quarter, heightening worries of a global retrenchment.

On the sidelines of the G20, the International Monetary Fund’s managing director, Christine Lagarde, noted:

"Pressures on emerging markets have been rising and trade tensions have begun to have a negative impact, increasing downside risks."

In its October Outlook statement, the IMF warned about threats to global growth due to trade disturbances.

In their final communique, G20 leaders danced around contentious issues on trade to accommodate American objections to having the word “protectionism” inserted in the document.

In the end, participants settled on the need for reform of the World Trade Organisation to describe a world trading system that is falling short of its objectives. Washington has been agitating for a review of the WTO to strengthen its dispute resolution and appeal procedures.

The US has also objected to a continuing description of China as a developing country, with concessions that enable it to take advantage of less developed country status in its access to global markets.

On climate change, Washington separated itself from the other G20 members. All, except the US, reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement. The US announced in 2017 it was pulling out of Paris.

Foreign policy specialists will be sceptical about a de-escalation of trade hostilities given the range of issues bedevilling the US-China relationship.

Reflecting a hardening of US attitudes towards China, and in contrast to the optimism that had prevailed for much of the past two decades, Ely Ratner in Foreign Affairs notes:

"Even if tariffs are put on hold, the United States will continue to restructure the US-China economic relationship through investment restrictions, export controls, and sustained law enforcement actions against Chinese industrial and cyber-espionage."

"At the same time, there are no serious prospects for Washington and Beijing to resolve other important areas of dispute, including the South China Sea, human rights and the larger contest over the norms, rules and institutions that govern relations in Asia."

A stiffening view in the US towards China is shared more or less across the board. In those circumstances, a temporary ceasefire in Buenos Aires is unlikely to be sustained.

 
(Tony Walker is Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/g20-summit-bring-a-truce-in-us-china-trade-relations-but-its-likely-to-be-temporary-108017">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Tony Walker The United States and China have arrived at a temporary truce in a trade conflict that was threatening to further destabilise world equity markets, entrench a global slowdown and cause more damage to a rules-based international order.

By Tony Walker The United States and China have arrived at a temporary truce in a trade conflict that was threatening to further destabilise world equity markets, entrench a global slowdown and cause more damage to a rules-based international order. Agreement by US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to allow further negotiations before threatened tariff increases on Chinese imports coming into effect, is a welcome development. However, this is a temporary respite, a short-term fix, not a long-term solution to myriad trade and other tensions that have put the US and China at odds with each other. For their own purposes and in their own interests, Trump and Xi have come away from the Argentine capital with a deal that papers over differences that extend from China’s activities in the South China Sea to its mercantilist trade policies. As far as we know, China’s ruthless assertion of its sovereignty over disputed waters in the South China Sea was not a material subject for discussion in Buenos Aires except, possibly, in passing. China’s rise and America’s relative decline ensure these global economic superpowers will continue to bump up against each other. So, what was achieved and what are the prospects for an accord reached on the sidelines of the G20? In their efforts to lower trade tensions and prevent a further erosion of global confidence, Trump and Xi agreed to a 90-day extension on the imposition of additional US tariffs on some $200 billion of Chinese imports. Trump had threatened to increase tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on an initial batch of Chinese imports from January 1. He had also flagged his intention to impose levies on another $267 billion worth of imports if progress was not made in resolving broad-based trade differences. A joint statement laid out a timeline for continuing negotiations. It reads: "Both parties agree that they will endeavour to have this transaction completed within the next 90 days. If, at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10 per cent tariffs will be raised to 25 percent." In return for these temporary concessions, China agreed to: "… purchase a not yet agreed upon, but very substantial, amount of agricultural, energy, industrial, and other product from the United States to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries. China has agreed to start purchasing agricultural product immediately." China also agreed to crack down on sales of Fentanyl by making it a controlled substance. The US is battling an opioid crisis in which Fentanyl is a lethal component. In retaliation for US trade actions, China had imposed duties on US$110 billion of imports. A principal component of this is soybeans, effectively killing one of America’s more lucrative export markets. Trump has been under huge pressure from his Mid-Western rural heartland over a collapse in the Chinese market for American agricultural products. The two sides also agreed to address structural problems in the trading relationship. These extend to five areas – forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft. These are highly complex issues and unlikely to be resolved in the short term, if at all. In the wash-up of the Xi-Trump discussions, it appears China has got more out of the deal than the US – at least for now. It has secured a stay of execution for the implementation of tariff increases and forestalled, for the time being, tariffs on an additional bloc of Chinese exports. In return, it has agreed to buy unspecified quantities of US products and to talk about differences. Trump’s willingness to compromise after months of bombast reflects pressures from a shellshocked grain-producing constituency and alarm on Wall Street at prospects of a full-blown trade war. From Beijing’s perspective, China has demonstrated that its growing economic heft has enabled it to avoid the appearance of yielding to US pressure. If not a “win-win” for China – as Chinese officials are fond of saying – it is certainly not a “lose-lose”. In a statement at odds with months of fire-breathing rhetoric over China’s allegedly perfidious trade practices, Trump hailed his understanding with Xi. He said: "This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the US and China." For their part, Chinese officials were more circumspect. Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the talks were conducted in a “friendly and candid atmosphere”. The presidents: "Agreed that the two sides can and must get bilateral relations right… China is willing to increase imports in accordance with the needs of its domestic market and the people’s needs." Impetus for a face-saving deal in Buenos Aires has been prompted by growing concerns about the global economy. The signs of a slowdown are clear. Trade volumes had begun to moderate in the third quarter, heightening worries of a global retrenchment. On the sidelines of the G20, the International Monetary Fund’s managing director, Christine Lagarde, noted: "Pressures on emerging markets have been rising and trade tensions have begun to have a negative impact, increasing downside risks." In its October Outlook statement, the IMF warned about threats to global growth due to trade disturbances. In their final communique, G20 leaders danced around contentious issues on trade to accommodate American objections to having the word “protectionism” inserted in the document. In the end, participants settled on the need for reform of the World Trade Organisation to describe a world trading system that is falling short of its objectives. Washington has been agitating for a review of the WTO to strengthen its dispute resolution and appeal procedures. The US has also objected to a continuing description of China as a developing country, with concessions that enable it to take advantage of less developed country status in its access to global markets. On climate change, Washington separated itself from the other G20 members. All, except the US, reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement. The US announced in 2017 it was pulling out of Paris. Foreign policy specialists will be sceptical about a de-escalation of trade hostilities given the range of issues bedevilling the US-China relationship. Reflecting a hardening of US attitudes towards China, and in contrast to the optimism that had prevailed for much of the past two decades, Ely Ratner in Foreign Affairs notes: "Even if tariffs are put on hold, the United States will continue to restructure the US-China economic relationship through investment restrictions, export controls, and sustained law enforcement actions against Chinese industrial and cyber-espionage." "At the same time, there are no serious prospects for Washington and Beijing to resolve other important areas of dispute, including the South China Sea, human rights and the larger contest over the norms, rules and institutions that govern relations in Asia." A stiffening view in the US towards China is shared more or less across the board. In those circumstances, a temporary ceasefire in Buenos Aires is unlikely to be sustained. (Tony Walker is Adjunct Professor, School of Communications, La Trobe University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

G20 summit brings a truce in US-China trade relations

The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The G20 is a self-appointed group whose composition is determined by the major countries and powers.

G20 consists of 19 individual countries plus the European Union (EU).

Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 90% of the gross world product (GWP), 80% of world trade (or, if excluding EU intra-trade, 75%), two-thirds of the world population,&nbsp;and approximately half of the world land area. It seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization, but still, the G20's membership policies have been criticized by numerous intellectuals. G20 is an initiative aiming at international coordination of economic policy. &nbsp;Summit themes varies from year to year.&nbsp;

HISTORY&nbsp;

Canadian finance minister Paul Martin was chosen as the first chairman and German finance minister Hans Eichel hosted the inaugural meeting in 1999 in Berlin. The group was founded primarily at the initiative of Eichel, the concurrent chair of the G7, as per 2004 report by Colin I. Bradford and Johannes F. Linn of the Brookings Institution.

However, Bradford later described &nbsp;Paul Martin as "the crucial architect of the formation of the G-20 at finance minister level," and as the one who later "proposed that the G-20 countries move to leaders level summits."

Canadian academic and journalistic sources have also identified the G20 a project initiated by Martin and then-US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. But Germany and the United States played a key role in bringing their vision into reality. 
The G20's primary focus has been governance of the global economy.

MEMBERS&nbsp;

As of 2017, there are 20 members of the group. These include leaders of 19 countries, and of European Union and, at the ministerial-level meetings, the finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries and of the European Union. 
In addition each year, the G20's guests include Spain; the Chair of ASEAN; two African countries and a country (sometimes more than one) invited by the presidency, usually from its own region, and office holders of United Nation, World Bank &nbsp;Group and World Trade Organisation.&nbsp;

G20 AGENDA

Initially, G20 was set up for global economic coordination but over the years it has widened up its agenda. After the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, more "issues of global significance" were added to the G20 agenda: migration, digitisation, employment, healthcare, the economic empowerment of women and development aid.

CRITICISM&nbsp;

&nbsp;Although G20 group has a high degree of legitimacy and influence over the management of the global economy and financial system due to broad membership and economic weight. G20 group's legitimacy has been challenged.

In a 2010 interview with Der Spiegel, the Norwegian foreign minister Jonas Gahr Støre called the G20 "one of the greatest setbacks since World War II." 
The G20's transparency and accountability have been questioned by critics.&nbsp;

The cost and extent of summit-related security is often a contentious issue in the hosting country, and G20 summits have attracted protesters from a variety of backgrounds, including information activists, opponents of fractional-reserve banking and anti-capitalists. In 2010, the Toronto G20 summit sparked mass protests and rioting, leading to the largest mass arrest in Canada's history. Critics also point out at the disproportionate representation of African countries&nbsp;

ACHIEVEMENTS&nbsp;

G20 provides a platform to discuss all issues that affect the world. Its major achievement includes quick deployment of emergency funding during the 2008 global financial crisis.&nbsp;

2018 G20 BUENOS AIRES SUMMIT

The thirteenth meeting of Group Of Twenty was held from 30 November till 1 December 2018 in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. &nbsp;It was the first G20 summit to be hosted in South America.

G20 Argentina had put forth three agenda priorities for the G20 dialogue in 2018: the future of work, infrastructure for development and a sustainable food future. 
A number of attending countries also focused on the regulation of crypto-currencies at this meeting. International trade was also one of the priorities of the thirteenth G20 Summit.&nbsp;

The 13 G20 Summit ended with a number of big outcomes such as<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20s-big-outcomes-india-to-host-g20-in-2022-trump-xis-trade-truce-181018"> India being as the host for G20 in 2022 </a>and Trump-Xi truce in the ongoing trade war.&nbsp; 
On Global outcomes, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-g20-dinner-trump-calls-relationship-with-xi-very-special-180799">US president and Chinese President </a>met for almost two-and-a-half hours on a working dinner.&nbsp;

Trump &amp; Xi have also agreed to "immediately" begin negotiations on "structural changes" with respect to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture. Both agreed that this will be completed within the next 90 days.&nbsp;

G20 nations also agreed on reforming WTO

On the sidelines of G20,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-presdent-xi-takes-part-in-brics-meet-as-g20-summit-begins-180549"> PM Modi also met a number of world leaders </a>including Chinese President Xi<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-presdent-xi-takes-part-in-brics-meet-as-g20-summit-begins-180549"> </a>for the fourth time since he assumed office and invited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Republic day celebrations.

The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The G20 is a self-appointed group whose composition is determined by the major countries and powers. G20 consists of 19 individual countries plus the European Union (EU). Collectively, the G20 economies account for around 90% of the gross world product (GWP), 80% of world trade (or, if excluding EU intra-trade, 75%), two-thirds of the world population, and approximately half of the world land area. It seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization, but still, the G20's membership policies have been criticized by numerous intellectuals. G20 is an initiative aiming at international coordination of economic policy. Summit themes varies from year to year. HISTORY Canadian finance minister Paul Martin was chosen as the first chairman and German finance minister Hans Eichel hosted the inaugural meeting in 1999 in Berlin. The group was founded primarily at the initiative of Eichel, the concurrent chair of the G7, as per 2004 report by Colin I. Bradford and Johannes F. Linn of the Brookings Institution. However, Bradford later described Paul Martin as "the crucial architect of the formation of the G-20 at finance minister level," and as the one who later "proposed that the G-20 countries move to leaders level summits." Canadian academic and journalistic sources have also identified the G20 a project initiated by Martin and then-US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. But Germany and the United States played a key role in bringing their vision into reality. The G20's primary focus has been governance of the global economy. MEMBERS As of 2017, there are 20 members of the group. These include leaders of 19 countries, and of European Union and, at the ministerial-level meetings, the finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries and of the European Union. In addition each year, the G20's guests include Spain; the Chair of ASEAN; two African countries and a country (sometimes more than one) invited by the presidency, usually from its own region, and office holders of United Nation, World Bank Group and World Trade Organisation. G20 AGENDA Initially, G20 was set up for global economic coordination but over the years it has widened up its agenda. After the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, more "issues of global significance" were added to the G20 agenda: migration, digitisation, employment, healthcare, the economic empowerment of women and development aid. CRITICISM Although G20 group has a high degree of legitimacy and influence over the management of the global economy and financial system due to broad membership and economic weight. G20 group's legitimacy has been challenged. In a 2010 interview with Der Spiegel, the Norwegian foreign minister Jonas Gahr Støre called the G20 "one of the greatest setbacks since World War II." The G20's transparency and accountability have been questioned by critics. The cost and extent of summit-related security is often a contentious issue in the hosting country, and G20 summits have attracted protesters from a variety of backgrounds, including information activists, opponents of fractional-reserve banking and anti-capitalists. In 2010, the Toronto G20 summit sparked mass protests and rioting, leading to the largest mass arrest in Canada's history. Critics also point out at the disproportionate representation of African countries ACHIEVEMENTS G20 provides a platform to discuss all issues that affect the world. Its major achievement includes quick deployment of emergency funding during the 2008 global financial crisis. 2018 G20 BUENOS AIRES SUMMIT The thirteenth meeting of Group Of Twenty was held from 30 November till 1 December 2018 in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was the first G20 summit to be hosted in South America. G20 Argentina had put forth three agenda priorities for the G20 dialogue in 2018: the future of work, infrastructure for development and a sustainable food future. A number of attending countries also focused on the regulation of crypto-currencies at this meeting. International trade was also one of the priorities of the thirteenth G20 Summit. The 13 G20 Summit ended with a number of big outcomes such as India being as the host for G20 in 2022 and Trump-Xi truce in the ongoing trade war. On Global outcomes, US president and Chinese President met for almost two-and-a-half hours on a working dinner. Trump & Xi have also agreed to "immediately" begin negotiations on "structural changes" with respect to forced technology transfer, intellectual property protection, non-tariff barriers, cyber intrusions and cyber theft, services and agriculture. Both agreed that this will be completed within the next 90 days. G20 nations also agreed on reforming WTO On the sidelines of G20, PM Modi also met a number of world leaders including Chinese President Xi for the fourth time since he assumed office and invited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Republic day celebrations.

What does the G20 do ?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809"> says it is suspending new China tariffs for 90 days</a>

The United States said Saturday that it agreed in a long-awaited summit with China to suspend new tariffs for 90 days as the two powers seek to end a trade war.

The White House said a threatened increase of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent, which was set to take effect on January 1, would be put off for 90 days.&nbsp;

"If at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10 percent tariffs will be raised to 25 percent," a White House statement said after dinner talks between President Donald Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Buenos Aires.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-continue-so-long-as-ukraine-government-stays-putin-180802">War will continue so long as Ukraine government stays: Putin</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power."

"The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-putin-explains-his-side-of-the-story-to-trump-180807">Putin briefs Trump on Ukraine-Russia conflict</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he briefed his US counterpart Donald Trump on the Ukraine crisis as he came under pressure over Moscow's robust foreign policy at the G20 summit in Argentina.

Putin said he explained Moscow's position to Trump when the leaders met briefly at a summit dinner Friday.

"We spoke standing up. I replied to his questions about the incident in the Black Sea," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g20-pm-talks-about-trade-wars-and-terror-180797">At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies</a>

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies.

Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20, Shaktikanta Das, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies."

The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, the US and China.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spider-man-is-back-and-this-time-hes-black-and-latino-180806">Spider-Man is back. And this time he's black and Latino</a>

For what seems like the umpteenth time, Spider-Man is back on the big screen.&nbsp;

But this year, when Hollywood is under the microscope on the hot-button issue of diversity, the superhero is half-black and half-Latino.

Step aside, Peter Parker. There's a new Spidey in town. Hello, Miles Morales.

US says it is suspending new China tariffs for 90 days The United States said Saturday that it agreed in a long-awaited summit with China to suspend new tariffs for 90 days as the two powers seek to end a trade war.

US says it is suspending new China tariffs for 90 days The United States said Saturday that it agreed in a long-awaited summit with China to suspend new tariffs for 90 days as the two powers seek to end a trade war. The White House said a threatened increase of tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent, which was set to take effect on January 1, would be put off for 90 days. "If at the end of this period of time, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the 10 percent tariffs will be raised to 25 percent," a White House statement said after dinner talks between President Donald Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Buenos Aires. War will continue so long as Ukraine government stays: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina. Putin briefs Trump on Ukraine-Russia conflict Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he briefed his US counterpart Donald Trump on the Ukraine crisis as he came under pressure over Moscow's robust foreign policy at the G20 summit in Argentina. Putin said he explained Moscow's position to Trump when the leaders met briefly at a summit dinner Friday. "We spoke standing up. I replied to his questions about the incident in the Black Sea," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit. At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies. Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20, Shaktikanta Das, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies." The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, the US and China. Spider-Man is back. And this time he's black and Latino For what seems like the umpteenth time, Spider-Man is back on the big screen. But this year, when Hollywood is under the microscope on the hot-button issue of diversity, the superhero is half-black and half-Latino. Step aside, Peter Parker. There's a new Spidey in town. Hello, Miles Morales.

News brief: Big stories of the day

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping at a dinner meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit.

According to reports, the two leaders interacted and discussed the growing trade war between the two biggest economies in the world.&nbsp;

During the start of the dinner, which marked the end of the two-day-long, high-voltage summit, the US President described his relationship with the Chinese President as "very special."

"The relationship is very special — the relationship that I have with President Xi — and I think that is going to be a very primary reason why <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-agree-no-new-tariffs-after-january-1-chinese-media-180801">we will probably end up getting something that will be good</a> for China and the United States," Trump said.&nbsp;

Xi, on the other hand, called for mutual cooperation for better ties and easing of tensions. &nbsp;"Only with cooperation between us can we serve the interest of both peace and prosperity," Xi noted.&nbsp;

White House top economic advisor Larry Kudlow shared that the meeting went "very well" and that an official statement on Trump-Xi interaction will be issued shortly by White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping at a dinner meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit. According to reports, the two leaders interacted and discussed the growing trade war between the two biggest economies in the world.

US President Donald Trump met with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping at a dinner meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit. According to reports, the two leaders interacted and discussed the growing trade war between the two biggest economies in the world. During the start of the dinner, which marked the end of the two-day-long, high-voltage summit, the US President described his relationship with the Chinese President as "very special." "The relationship is very special — the relationship that I have with President Xi — and I think that is going to be a very primary reason why we will probably end up getting something that will be good for China and the United States," Trump said. Xi, on the other hand, called for mutual cooperation for better ties and easing of tensions. "Only with cooperation between us can we serve the interest of both peace and prosperity," Xi noted. White House top economic advisor Larry Kudlow shared that the meeting went "very well" and that an official statement on Trump-Xi interaction will be issued shortly by White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders, news agency AFP reported. (With inputs from AFP)

At G20 dinner with China's Xi, Trump says their relationship is 'very special'

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies.

Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/strengthening-fatf-bring-to-book-fugitive-economic-offender-indias-top-focus-at-g20-180325">Shaktikanta Das</a>, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies."

The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;between the world's two biggest economies, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-g20-dinner-trump-calls-relationship-with-xi-very-special-180799">the US and China</a>.

The focus was also on reforms at the WTO and the PM called on the "need to have proactive and reformed multilateralism at the global level."

Even the BRICS statement, issued after the informal meet on the sidelines of G20, mentioned WTO and called on "all members to oppose such WTO inconsistent measures, stand by their commitments undertaken in the WTO and rollback such measures of a discriminatory and restrictive nature."

Terror remained a key focus by the PM. He called on the need to "implement the 11-point action plan against terrorism which was issued as a stand-alone statement in last year's G20 summit (in Hamburg)."&nbsp;

Sherpa replying to WION's question on terror said, "the PM raised the issue of terror and the way it undermines human life and also economies and society. The PM emphasised that the Hamburg declaration should be implemented by all countries. "

PM Modi also a gave a 9-point agenda on fugitive economic offenders which suggested that FATF or Financial Action Task Force should come out with a common definition on who is a "fugitive economic offenders."

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies.

Day 2 of the G20 summit came to an end Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on the issue of terror and highlighting how trade wars can be detrimental to global economies. Briefing the media, India's sherpa at the G20, Shaktikanta Das, said, "The PM highlighted escalating trade tension and the collateral damage it can do to emerging economies." The big focus at this year's G20 has been the trade war between the world's two biggest economies, the US and China. The focus was also on reforms at the WTO and the PM called on the "need to have proactive and reformed multilateralism at the global level." Even the BRICS statement, issued after the informal meet on the sidelines of G20, mentioned WTO and called on "all members to oppose such WTO inconsistent measures, stand by their commitments undertaken in the WTO and rollback such measures of a discriminatory and restrictive nature." Terror remained a key focus by the PM. He called on the need to "implement the 11-point action plan against terrorism which was issued as a stand-alone statement in last year's G20 summit (in Hamburg)." Sherpa replying to WION's question on terror said, "the PM raised the issue of terror and the way it undermines human life and also economies and society. The PM emphasised that the Hamburg declaration should be implemented by all countries. " PM Modi also a gave a 9-point agenda on fugitive economic offenders which suggested that FATF or Financial Action Task Force should come out with a common definition on who is a "fugitive economic offenders."

At G20, Modi says trade war can do collateral damage to emerging economies

US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809">Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs</a> in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place.

Following more than two hours of dinner talks between the two leaders, the White House said an increase of tariffs from 10 to 25 per cent due to kick in on January 1 would now be put on hold, providing room for intense negotiations.&nbsp;

The agreement hashed out over steak in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, lowers the temperature in a conflict that has spooked world markets.

The two leaders, who were in Buenos Aires for a summit of the G20 countries, called it "a highly successful meeting," the White House said.

"The principal agreement has effectively prevented further expansion of economic friction between the two countries and has opened up new space for win-win cooperation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Partial truce

Under the agreement, Trump is shelving a plan to raise existing tariffs of 10 per cent to 25 per cent from the start of next year.

Xi avoids further immediate pressure on China's slowing economy, while Trump -- hit by the US Democrats' congressional win in last month's mid-term elections -- can ease damage to agricultural US states that export to China, particularly the key soybean crop.

"This was a rare opportunity for China because (the mid-terms) made Trump a lame president," said Beijing-based political consultant Hua Po.

"So at this time it was acceptable for China to maintain some bottom lines while making some major concessions."

But Brad Setser, a former Treasury official and now senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, told Bloomberg much remains to be done.

"The hard part is finding the basis for a real deal that settles the broader issues rather than agreeing on a pause," Setser said.

The truce is only partial.

Some $50 billion worth of Chinese imports already face 25 per cent tariffs, while the 10 per cent tariffs -- which target a massive $200 billion in goods -- will also remain in effect.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China has targeted $110 billion worth of US imports for tariffs.&nbsp;

If there is any further retaliation, Trump has warned, he will slap punitive duties on the remaining $267 billion in Chinese goods coming to the United States.

And Saturday's truce also contained an ultimatum.

The White House made clear that the 10 per cent tariffs would still leap up to 25 per cent if China doesn't meet US demands in 90 days.

These include China stopping a host of trade barriers, intellectual property theft and other actions that Washington says make fair trade impossible.&nbsp;

Tough negotiations lie ahead, but Trump was upbeat.

"This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China," he said in a statement.

Steaks and high stakes

The meeting -- featuring a menu of sirloin steak, caramel rolled pancakes and Argentine wine -- went on longer than scheduled.&nbsp;

And while it may have been tacked on to the end of two days of G20 diplomacy, it was in many ways the main event of the weekend.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was also attending the G20, spoke for many when she urged progress.

"We all realize that we are indirectly influenced by the fact that Sino-American economic relations are not running as smoothly as a world order needs," she said.

Personal chemistry factor

On the US side at the dinner, Trump was accompanied by advisers such as Larry Kudlow and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who are widely seen as wanting a deal.

But hawkish advisers like Peter Navarro and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were also present.&nbsp;

Trump, as often in his diplomatic dealings, appears to consider his personal chemistry with Xi the most important factor in the success of the negotiations.

He has prided himself on building a good relationship with the Chinese leader, even though he acknowledges it may have trouble surviving the growing crisis.

At the dinner, Trump said his ties to Xi were "a very primary reason" for considering a deal possible.

US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place.

US President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping agreed Saturday to suspend any new tariffs in the escalating trade war between the world's two largest economies, even if huge existing duties will remain in place. Following more than two hours of dinner talks between the two leaders, the White House said an increase of tariffs from 10 to 25 per cent due to kick in on January 1 would now be put on hold, providing room for intense negotiations. The agreement hashed out over steak in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, lowers the temperature in a conflict that has spooked world markets. The two leaders, who were in Buenos Aires for a summit of the G20 countries, called it "a highly successful meeting," the White House said. "The principal agreement has effectively prevented further expansion of economic friction between the two countries and has opened up new space for win-win cooperation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Partial truce Under the agreement, Trump is shelving a plan to raise existing tariffs of 10 per cent to 25 per cent from the start of next year. Xi avoids further immediate pressure on China's slowing economy, while Trump -- hit by the US Democrats' congressional win in last month's mid-term elections -- can ease damage to agricultural US states that export to China, particularly the key soybean crop. "This was a rare opportunity for China because (the mid-terms) made Trump a lame president," said Beijing-based political consultant Hua Po. "So at this time it was acceptable for China to maintain some bottom lines while making some major concessions." But Brad Setser, a former Treasury official and now senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, told Bloomberg much remains to be done. "The hard part is finding the basis for a real deal that settles the broader issues rather than agreeing on a pause," Setser said. The truce is only partial. Some $50 billion worth of Chinese imports already face 25 per cent tariffs, while the 10 per cent tariffs -- which target a massive $200 billion in goods -- will also remain in effect. Meanwhile, China has targeted $110 billion worth of US imports for tariffs. If there is any further retaliation, Trump has warned, he will slap punitive duties on the remaining $267 billion in Chinese goods coming to the United States. And Saturday's truce also contained an ultimatum. The White House made clear that the 10 per cent tariffs would still leap up to 25 per cent if China doesn't meet US demands in 90 days. These include China stopping a host of trade barriers, intellectual property theft and other actions that Washington says make fair trade impossible. Tough negotiations lie ahead, but Trump was upbeat. "This was an amazing and productive meeting with unlimited possibilities for both the United States and China," he said in a statement. Steaks and high stakes The meeting -- featuring a menu of sirloin steak, caramel rolled pancakes and Argentine wine -- went on longer than scheduled. And while it may have been tacked on to the end of two days of G20 diplomacy, it was in many ways the main event of the weekend. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who was also attending the G20, spoke for many when she urged progress. "We all realize that we are indirectly influenced by the fact that Sino-American economic relations are not running as smoothly as a world order needs," she said. Personal chemistry factor On the US side at the dinner, Trump was accompanied by advisers such as Larry Kudlow and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who are widely seen as wanting a deal. But hawkish advisers like Peter Navarro and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer were also present. Trump, as often in his diplomatic dealings, appears to consider his personal chemistry with Xi the most important factor in the success of the negotiations. He has prided himself on building a good relationship with the Chinese leader, even though he acknowledges it may have trouble surviving the growing crisis. At the dinner, Trump said his ties to Xi were "a very primary reason" for considering a deal possible.

US, China agree to trade war ceasefire, talks to continue

US President Donald Trump returned home early Sunday from Argentina, where he reached a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-is-suspending-new-china-tariffs-for-90-days-180809">ceasefire in a trade war</a> with China but snubbed action on climate change and other trade disputes at the Group of 20 summit.

The end of Trump's latest tense foray into international diplomacy comes as America prepares to say a final farewell to former president George HW&nbsp;Bush, who died on Friday at the age of 94.

Bush's death may offer Trump a temporary political respite -- lawmakers are reportedly discussing a stopgap budget bill that would push back a potential government shutdown until after Bush's funeral services.

On Air Force One, Trump told reporters he would "absolutely consider it and probably" accept such a measure.

Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping brokered a trade deal of sorts over steaks and Argentine wine in Buenos Aires, agreeing to suspend any new tariffs while new negotiations are pursued.

But a summit-ending statement from the G20 reiterated that the United States has rejected a global agreement on climate change, and omitted pledges to combat protectionism that were a mainstay of the world's leading economies in the pre-Trump era.

US President Donald Trump returned home early Sunday from Argentina, where he reached a ceasefire in a trade war with China but snubbed action on climate change and other trade disputes at the Group of 20 summit.

US President Donald Trump returned home early Sunday from Argentina, where he reached a ceasefire in a trade war with China but snubbed action on climate change and other trade disputes at the Group of 20 summit. The end of Trump's latest tense foray into international diplomacy comes as America prepares to say a final farewell to former president George HW Bush, who died on Friday at the age of 94. Bush's death may offer Trump a temporary political respite -- lawmakers are reportedly discussing a stopgap budget bill that would push back a potential government shutdown until after Bush's funeral services. On Air Force One, Trump told reporters he would "absolutely consider it and probably" accept such a measure. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping brokered a trade deal of sorts over steaks and Argentine wine in Buenos Aires, agreeing to suspend any new tariffs while new negotiations are pursued. But a summit-ending statement from the G20 reiterated that the United States has rejected a global agreement on climate change, and omitted pledges to combat protectionism that were a mainstay of the world's leading economies in the pre-Trump era.

Trump back in US after thorny G20 summit, China talks

Theresa May reassures world leaders on Brexit deal

G20 Summit: Leaders call for rule-based order in Indo-Pacific meet

While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-sidelined-in-g20-family-photo-180611">did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince</a> Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit.

Putin who took the seat next to the Crown prince at the plenary session at the G20 Summit laughed heartily with him while exchanging the high-five.

Putin's friendly behaviour towards the crown prince contrasted sharply with that of other leaders at the summit who sidelined the crown prince over the suspicious killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

Prince Mohammed was also&nbsp;sidelined during the official "family photo" of world leaders at Friday's gathering. He then quickly exited the stage without shaking hands or talking with the other leaders.

There has been rising furore regarding a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that hints at Salman's hand in Khashoggi`s killing. The US president has refused to confirm the findings, while continuously reiterating the importance of having Saudi Arabia as an ally.

Russia has also refrained from criticising Saudi Arabia or the crown prince over the killing. Putin said in October he lacked information about the matter and said Russia would not tear up its relations with Saudi Arabia because of it.

However, Moscow has also fostered strong ties with Saudi Arabia's regional arch-foe Iran. Russia and Iran back President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, while Saudi Arabia along with Western countries have backed some rebel groups.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, US President Trump had earlier cancelled his meeting with Russian President Putin&nbsp;during the G20 summit.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit.

While the world leaders at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina did not pay much heed to the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday exchanged a high-five with him on the first day of the summit. Putin who took the seat next to the Crown prince at the plenary session at the G20 Summit laughed heartily with him while exchanging the high-five. Putin's friendly behaviour towards the crown prince contrasted sharply with that of other leaders at the summit who sidelined the crown prince over the suspicious killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Prince Mohammed was also sidelined during the official "family photo" of world leaders at Friday's gathering. He then quickly exited the stage without shaking hands or talking with the other leaders. There has been rising furore regarding a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that hints at Salman's hand in Khashoggi`s killing. The US president has refused to confirm the findings, while continuously reiterating the importance of having Saudi Arabia as an ally. Russia has also refrained from criticising Saudi Arabia or the crown prince over the killing. Putin said in October he lacked information about the matter and said Russia would not tear up its relations with Saudi Arabia because of it. However, Moscow has also fostered strong ties with Saudi Arabia's regional arch-foe Iran. Russia and Iran back President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, while Saudi Arabia along with Western countries have backed some rebel groups. Meanwhile, in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, US President Trump had earlier cancelled his meeting with Russian President Putin during the G20 summit. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Putin exchanges high-five with Saudi crown prince at G20 summit

In a big announcement from the 13th G20 summit in Argentina's&nbsp;Buenos Aires, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will host the&nbsp;G20 Summit in 2022.

India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year.

Speaking at the G20 summit, PM Modi said, "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 and we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too. I am grateful and I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022".

Italy and India swapped year for hosting G20 summit. Italy will be hosting G20 Summit in 2021.

Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said it was "very important for India to celebrate its 75th anniversary of Independence with our presence and therefore I decide to accept the swap".

In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016. Next year the summit&nbsp;will take place in Japan followed by Saudi Arabia.

This year's summit, the 13th G20 summit, was hosted by Argentina. This was the first time that the summit had taken place in a country of&nbsp;South American continent.&nbsp;

In a big announcement from the 13th G20 summit in Argentina's Buenos Aires, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will host the G20 Summit in 2022. India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year.

In a big announcement from the 13th G20 summit in Argentina's Buenos Aires, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India will host the G20 Summit in 2022. India will be hosting the summit in the 75th Independence anniversary year. Speaking at the G20 summit, PM Modi said, "It's India's 75th Independence Day in 2022 and we had requested Italy if we can get '22 instead of '21 (for hosting G20 summit). They accepted our request, others accepted it too. I am grateful and I invite leadership from across the world to come to India in 2022". Italy and India swapped year for hosting G20 summit. Italy will be hosting G20 Summit in 2021. Italian PM Giuseppe Conte said it was "very important for India to celebrate its 75th anniversary of Independence with our presence and therefore I decide to accept the swap". In Asia, South Korea hosted G20 in 2010, followed by Turkey in 2015 and China in 2016. Next year the summit will take place in Japan followed by Saudi Arabia. This year's summit, the 13th G20 summit, was hosted by Argentina. This was the first time that the summit had taken place in a country of South American continent.

India to host G20 summit in 2022, PM Modi announces in Argentina

G20 Summit: Will the world leaders reach consensus?

European officials said that G20 nations had agreed to commit to reforming the World Trade Organization in a preliminary draft of the communique due to be released at the end of a two-day meeting of the bloc on Saturday.

An EU official said the language currently being negotiated for the communique said leaders support reforms needed to improve the WTO.

The language on multilateral trade had been a sticking point for the United States, which insisted the communique say the multilateral trading system was not working, the official added.

"We reiterate that trade is beneficial for utility, innovation, growth and employment, and we reiterate that the multilateral trading system is the framework in which we are all working and committed," the official said.

"But for the US&nbsp;to acknowledge that, they had to get something in return, which was to say that this multilateral trading system does not work anymore, and does not meet the challenges that it has to meet," the official added.

The officials also said the wording on climate change was "a little bit more than the status quo but not backtracking" and the language around steel was kept to a minimum so leaders could reach an agreement.

Regarding migration, the language would also be kept to a minimum.

"It's a disappointment and we'll not hide our disappointment. But at least we have it," the official said.

The communique still needs final endorsement from member nations.

European officials said that G20 nations had agreed to commit to reforming the World Trade Organization in a preliminary draft of the communique due to be released at the end of a two-day meeting of the bloc on Saturday.

European officials said that G20 nations had agreed to commit to reforming the World Trade Organization in a preliminary draft of the communique due to be released at the end of a two-day meeting of the bloc on Saturday. An EU official said the language currently being negotiated for the communique said leaders support reforms needed to improve the WTO. The language on multilateral trade had been a sticking point for the United States, which insisted the communique say the multilateral trading system was not working, the official added. "We reiterate that trade is beneficial for utility, innovation, growth and employment, and we reiterate that the multilateral trading system is the framework in which we are all working and committed," the official said. "But for the US to acknowledge that, they had to get something in return, which was to say that this multilateral trading system does not work anymore, and does not meet the challenges that it has to meet," the official added. The officials also said the wording on climate change was "a little bit more than the status quo but not backtracking" and the language around steel was kept to a minimum so leaders could reach an agreement. Regarding migration, the language would also be kept to a minimum. "It's a disappointment and we'll not hide our disappointment. But at least we have it," the official said. The communique still needs final endorsement from member nations.

G20 nations agree on reforming WTO: European officials

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom.

Speaking from a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, Pompeo acknowledged that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-on-brink-of-major-catastrophe-un-aid-chief-180743">humanitarian crisis in Yemen</a> -- where millions are at risk of starvation -- had reached "epic proportions" but said Washington and Riyadh were offering aid.

"The program that we're involved in today we intend to continue," Pompeo told CNN when asked about military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition.

The US Senate on Wednesday took an initial vote to cut off the war support, with 14 members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party defying appeals from Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.

A final vote could come in the next week, setting the stage for a fresh battle if Trump vetoes the bill.

Pompeo, who met in Buenos Aires with his Saudi counterpart, has backed the war as a way to counter Iran, which has ties to Yemen's Huthi rebels.

Outrage over attacks

But senators have voiced outrage over attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and a school bus, as well as a Saudi hit squad's murder in October of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

Pompeo reiterated his insistence that there was no "direct evidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post.

Prince Mohammed is taking part in the Buenos Aires summit in a bold signal that he remains in charge. The 33-year-old was seen speaking with Trump, although the White House said they only exchanged "pleasantries."

Trump has said it is vital to preserve the decades-old alliance with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is the top buyer of US weapons and key oil supplier.

But Bob Corker, the outgoing Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview published Friday that the United States needed to rein in Prince Mohammed, who was "out of control."

"To me, we've got a relationship with a country that's a semi-important country and a semi-important ally. I wouldn't elevate them beyond that," Corker told congressional newspaper Roll Call.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo vowed Saturday that the United States would continue supporting Saudi Arabia's military campaign in Yemen, despite rising outrage over the kingdom. Speaking from a Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires, Pompeo acknowledged that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen -- where millions are at risk of starvation -- had reached "epic proportions" but said Washington and Riyadh were offering aid. "The program that we're involved in today we intend to continue," Pompeo told CNN when asked about military assistance to the Saudi-led coalition. The US Senate on Wednesday took an initial vote to cut off the war support, with 14 members of President Donald Trump's Republican Party defying appeals from Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. A final vote could come in the next week, setting the stage for a fresh battle if Trump vetoes the bill. Pompeo, who met in Buenos Aires with his Saudi counterpart, has backed the war as a way to counter Iran, which has ties to Yemen's Huthi rebels. Outrage over attacks But senators have voiced outrage over attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals and a school bus, as well as a Saudi hit squad's murder in October of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Pompeo reiterated his insistence that there was no "direct evidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post. Prince Mohammed is taking part in the Buenos Aires summit in a bold signal that he remains in charge. The 33-year-old was seen speaking with Trump, although the White House said they only exchanged "pleasantries." Trump has said it is vital to preserve the decades-old alliance with Saudi Arabia, as the kingdom is the top buyer of US weapons and key oil supplier. But Bob Corker, the outgoing Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview published Friday that the United States needed to rein in Prince Mohammed, who was "out of control." "To me, we've got a relationship with a country that's a semi-important country and a semi-important ally. I wouldn't elevate them beyond that," Corker told congressional newspaper Roll Call.

US to keep aiding Saudis in Yemen despite furor: Mike Pompeo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday participated in a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit in Argentina.&nbsp;

Speaking during the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. "The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," he noted.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi while speaking at trilateral meeting with Chinese President and Russian President: There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes&amp;uncertainty.The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/tTxe0C7kwc">pic.twitter.com/tTxe0C7kwc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068615976168476672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"WTO's Doha Development Agenda has been stalled, we haven't seen a financial commitment for developing countries from developed countries at an expected level since the Paris Accord. In this way, climate justice is being weakened," the Prime Minister stated.

Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale shared further information about PM Modi's interaction with the Russian and the Chinese leader at the trilateral meet, adding that the leaders felt that the three countries "should coordinate in various areas to contribute to global peace."

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Foreign Secy: They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that 3 countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief&amp;assistance <a href="https://t.co/vp09ZDwq1e">pic.twitter.com/vp09ZDwq1e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068631290667122688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that the three countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in the regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief and assistance," Gokhale added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-g20-india-suggests-ftaf-should-define-fugitive-economic-offenders-180588">Prime Minister Modi at the Summit suggested</a> that the&nbsp;Financial Action Task Force or FATF should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday participated in a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit in Argentina.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday participated in a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 13th G20 Summit in Argentina. Speaking during the meeting, the Prime Minister stated that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. "The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," he noted. PM Narendra Modi while speaking at trilateral meeting with Chinese President and Russian President: There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes&uncertainty.The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance. #G20Summit #Argentina pic.twitter.com/tTxe0C7kwc — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × "WTO's Doha Development Agenda has been stalled, we haven't seen a financial commitment for developing countries from developed countries at an expected level since the Paris Accord. In this way, climate justice is being weakened," the Prime Minister stated. Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale shared further information about PM Modi's interaction with the Russian and the Chinese leader at the trilateral meet, adding that the leaders felt that the three countries "should coordinate in various areas to contribute to global peace." Foreign Secy: They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that 3 countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief&assistance pic.twitter.com/vp09ZDwq1e — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × "They all felt that we should work together to steer global economic governance. They felt that the three countries should work together in areas where we could promote peace and stability in the regional crisis. We should work together on terrorism, disaster relief and assistance," Gokhale added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi at the Summit suggested that the Financial Action Task Force or FATF should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders.

G20 Summit: Russia, India, China agree to work on terrorism, disaster relief, global peace

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday cancelled a press conference planned for Saturday at the G20 summit, saying he wanted to show respect to the family of the late President George HW Bush.

"I was very much looking forward to having a press conference just prior to leaving Argentina because we have had such great success in our dealing with various countries and their leaders at the G20," Trump tweeted.

"However, out of respect for the Bush Family and former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/tributes-for-former-us-president-george-hw-bush-180693">President George HW Bush</a> we will wait until after the funeral to have a press conference," Trump added in the continuation tweet.

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I was very much looking forward to having a press conference just prior to leaving Argentina because we have had such great success in our dealing with various countries and their leaders at the G20....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1068887935838228480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Former US president &nbsp;George HW Bush, who led the US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bushs-single-white-house-term-shaped-us-history-for-decades-180657">died on November 30</a> at the age of 94 on Saturday.

His death was announced in a statement issued by longtime spokesman Jim McGrath.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, spokeswoman of Trump announced that Trump will attend the state funeral of HW Bush.&nbsp;

Trump's spokeswoman said: "A state funeral is being arranged with all of the accompanying support and honours. The president will designate Wednesday, December 5th as a National Day Of Mourning. He and the first lady will attend the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC."

Trump did not attend the funeral of Bush's wife Barbara, the matriarch of the family, who died in April.

The invitation-only service at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston included Bush's successor Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, as well as other former senior officials.

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday cancelled a press conference planned for Saturday at the G20 summit, saying he wanted to show respect to the family of the late President George HW Bush.

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday cancelled a press conference planned for Saturday at the G20 summit, saying he wanted to show respect to the family of the late President George HW Bush. "I was very much looking forward to having a press conference just prior to leaving Argentina because we have had such great success in our dealing with various countries and their leaders at the G20," Trump tweeted. "However, out of respect for the Bush Family and former President George HW Bush we will wait until after the funeral to have a press conference," Trump added in the continuation tweet. I was very much looking forward to having a press conference just prior to leaving Argentina because we have had such great success in our dealing with various countries and their leaders at the G20.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 1, 2018 × Former US president George HW Bush, who led the US as Cold War ended but failed to get a second term, died on November 30 at the age of 94 on Saturday. His death was announced in a statement issued by longtime spokesman Jim McGrath. Earlier in the day, spokeswoman of Trump announced that Trump will attend the state funeral of HW Bush. Trump's spokeswoman said: "A state funeral is being arranged with all of the accompanying support and honours. The president will designate Wednesday, December 5th as a National Day Of Mourning. He and the first lady will attend the funeral at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC." Trump did not attend the funeral of Bush's wife Barbara, the matriarch of the family, who died in April. The invitation-only service at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston included Bush's successor Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, as well as other former senior officials.

Trump cancels G20 press conference 'out of respect' to Bush family

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a&nbsp;timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders. This was suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his intervention at the 2nd session of G20 summit on international trade, international financial and tax system on Friday.&nbsp;

The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries.

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MEA: In his intervention at the 2nd session at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> on international trade, international financial and tax systems, PM Narendra Modi presented a 9-point programme to take action against fugitive economic offenders. <a href="https://t.co/nsOwZiQyCq">pic.twitter.com/nsOwZiQyCq</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068661939197394944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Before the G20 Summit, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/strengthening-fatf-bring-to-book-fugitive-economic-offender-indias-top-focus-at-g20-180325">India's Sherpa to G20 Shatikanta Das told WION</a>, "One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions"

The FATF&nbsp;is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF's decision-making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year. &nbsp;

The development comes at a time when a fellow G20 country is hosting Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya accused of duping Indian banks with billions of rupees. India has been trying to extradite both of them.

India also called for a joint effort by G20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic offenders. It also suggested that G20 forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the country of their residence for its recovery.

Last year at the 12th G20 summit in Hamburg, Prime Minister Modi suggested an 11 point agenda on terror which was finally adopted in final G20 papers.&nbsp;

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders.

India has suggested that Financial Action Task Force (FATF) should formulate a standard definition of fugitive economic offenders. The focus should be on establishing international cooperation that leads to a timely exchange of information among other ways to deal with economic offenders. This was suggested by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his intervention at the 2nd session of G20 summit on international trade, international financial and tax system on Friday. The nine-point agenda also suggests FATF should develop a set of commonly agreed and standardized procedures related to identification, extradition and judicial proceedings for dealing with economic offenders which will provide assistance to G20 countries. MEA: In his intervention at the 2nd session at #G20Summit on international trade, international financial and tax systems, PM Narendra Modi presented a 9-point programme to take action against fugitive economic offenders. pic.twitter.com/nsOwZiQyCq — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2018 × Before the G20 Summit, India's Sherpa to G20 Shatikanta Das told WION, "One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions" The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989. The objectives of the FATF are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF's decision-making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year. The development comes at a time when a fellow G20 country is hosting Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya accused of duping Indian banks with billions of rupees. India has been trying to extradite both of them. India also called for a joint effort by G20 countries to form a mechanism that denies entry and safe havens to all fugitive economic offenders. It also suggested that G20 forum should consider initiating work on locating properties of economic offenders who have a tax debt in the country of their residence for its recovery. Last year at the 12th G20 summit in Hamburg, Prime Minister Modi suggested an 11 point agenda on terror which was finally adopted in final G20 papers.

At G20, India suggests FATF should define fugitive economic offenders

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/VhHPVXd1dB">pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB</a>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message."

The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion.&nbsp;

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JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. 
 
Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. <a href="https://t.co/8Lw7kj9waN">pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1068581708545576960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases"

This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow.

Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept."

Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard."

Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development.

The first Japan, America, India or JAI trilateral to take place on the sidelines of the 13th G20 summit in Argentina focused on the Indo Pacific, an idea which is increasingly gaining currency in a region which is witnessing the emergence of new powers and rapid geopolitical development. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi on meeting US President Trump and Japan PM Shinzo Abe says 'Both countries are our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends. Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message.' #G20 #Argentina pic.twitter.com/VhHPVXd1dB — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Idea of JAI saying both Japan and US are "our strategic partners and both leaders are my good friends".On JAI he said "Japan, USA, India acronym is JAI, so Jai in India means success. This sends a good message." The JAI meet comes on the back of 2nd Quad meet earlier this year on the sidelines of 13th East Asia Summit. The Quad was revived last year and Bejing views it with suspicion. JAI (Japan, America, India) trilateral marks the coming together of three friendly nations. Today's historic JAI meeting was a great beginning. PM @AbeShinzo, @POTUS and I held fruitful talks aimed at furthering connectivity, maritime cooperation and a stable Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/8Lw7kj9waN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2018 × Focusing on defence ties, US President said, "We just had a great meeting. Our relationship is extremely great, strong. It is stronger than ever. We are doing very well together, a lot of defences and military purchases" This was the first meeting between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump after New Delhi signed the S400 deal with Moscow. Later briefing the media, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "They all agreed that a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order is essential for the region's peace and prosperity. The PM offered some ideas on how we should take forward the concept of Indo-Pacific and how the three countries can work together to promote this concept." Maintained on ASEAN centrality, Gokhale said, "The leaders also agreed on the central role of ASEAN. They also agreed to work on maritime and connectivity issues and to synergise efforts in this regard." Both US President Trump and Japan PM Abe complimented PM Modi for the reforms he has introduced in India.

Japan, America, India trilateral focuses on Indo-Pacific; Trump talks about defence purchases

By Akash&nbsp;Rai

"There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," PM Modi at the trilateral meeting with Russia and China.

While addressing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-russia-india-china-ric-agree-to-work-on-terrorism-disaster-relief-global-peace-180591">Russia-India-China meet</a> on the sidelines of G20, the PM said, ”There is an increased responsibility on world powers like India, China and Russia to maintain multilateralism and emphasise respecting and implementing international laws."

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PM Narendra Modi while speaking at trilateral meeting with Chinese President and Russian President: There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes&amp;uncertainty.The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Argentina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Argentina</a> <a href="https://t.co/tTxe0C7kwc">pic.twitter.com/tTxe0C7kwc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068615976168476672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Putting the&nbsp;focus on the issue of economic and climate change he added, ”WTO's Doha Development Agenda has been stalled, we haven't seen a financial commitment for developing countries from developed countries at an expected level since Paris Accords. In this way, climate justice is being weakened."

Later, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale informed media stating that the prime minister thanked Russian President Putin for initiating this effort which provides a clear and free opportunity in front of the world to discuss the upcoming uncertainties and issues. Gokhale further said that the cooperation would be based upon how the three countries, each having their own strength in the world, could contribute to global peace.

An informal meeting between these three countries took place after a gap of 12 years, Russia-India-China last held&nbsp;a summit in July 2006 on the sidelines of the G8 meeting in St. Petersburg. Since 2005, the countries organize separate meetings of their foreign ministers, hosted by the RIC member countries in turn.

From India’s perspective, Russia remains an important strategic partner for a number of reasons mostly because more than 70% of India's&nbsp;defence equipment comes from Russian origin. China is our biggest trade partner, bilateral trade reached $84.44 billion last year, a historic high notwithstanding bilateral tensions over a host of issues including the Doklam standoff.

&nbsp;

By Akash Rai "There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," PM Modi at the trilateral meeting with Russia and China.

By Akash Rai "There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty. The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance," PM Modi at the trilateral meeting with Russia and China. While addressing the Russia-India-China meet on the sidelines of G20, the PM said, ”There is an increased responsibility on world powers like India, China and Russia to maintain multilateralism and emphasise respecting and implementing international laws." PM Narendra Modi while speaking at trilateral meeting with Chinese President and Russian President: There is no doubt that the world today is going through extraordinary changes&uncertainty.The increase in geopolitical tension is affecting global governance. #G20Summit #Argentina pic.twitter.com/tTxe0C7kwc — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Putting the focus on the issue of economic and climate change he added, ”WTO's Doha Development Agenda has been stalled, we haven't seen a financial commitment for developing countries from developed countries at an expected level since Paris Accords. In this way, climate justice is being weakened." Later, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale informed media stating that the prime minister thanked Russian President Putin for initiating this effort which provides a clear and free opportunity in front of the world to discuss the upcoming uncertainties and issues. Gokhale further said that the cooperation would be based upon how the three countries, each having their own strength in the world, could contribute to global peace. An informal meeting between these three countries took place after a gap of 12 years, Russia-India-China last held a summit in July 2006 on the sidelines of the G8 meeting in St. Petersburg. Since 2005, the countries organize separate meetings of their foreign ministers, hosted by the RIC member countries in turn. From India’s perspective, Russia remains an important strategic partner for a number of reasons mostly because more than 70% of India's defence equipment comes from Russian origin. China is our biggest trade partner, bilateral trade reached $84.44 billion last year, a historic high notwithstanding bilateral tensions over a host of issues including the Doklam standoff.

World is going through extraordinary changes and uncertainty, affecting global governance: PM Modi

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman showed himself to be no pariah Friday at the G20 summit, with a beaming Vladimir Putin welcoming him but European leaders warning him over the killing of a dissident journalist.

Less than two months after Saudi Arabia outraged allies when a hit team murdered Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, Prince Mohammed flew into Buenos Aires to take his place among leaders of the top 20 global economies, a sign that he intends to remain firmly in charge.

In an image that quickly went viral online, Russian President Putin and the 33-year-old prince grinned broadly and gave each other an effusive handshake as if they were long-lost friends reunited at the G20.

Their embrace comes amid reports that Russia and Saudi Arabia have reached a pact to cut oil production when the OPEC cartel meets on December 6 in Vienna, to help shore up collapsing crude prices.

Kirill Dmitriev, the chief of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, told reporters that Putin would meet the prince Saturday and discuss boosting Saudi Arabia's $2 billion investment in Russia.

But the prince appeared to receive a more critical reception from French President Emmanuel Macron, who was overheard on a microphone voicing concerns.

"Don't worry," Prince Mohammed is heard saying in English to the French leader, who responds, "I do worry. I am worried." The clip was partially inaudible and the context of the exchange was not entirely clear.

But it received wide traction on social media, with Macron telling the prince, "You never listen to me," to which Prince Mohammed replies, "I will listen, of course."&nbsp;

The French presidency said that Macron spoke to the prince about the killing of Khashoggi and the Saudi-led offensive in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Macron told the prince that Europeans wanted international investigators to take part in the probe on Khashoggi's death and stressed "the necessity of a political solution in Yemen," the Elysee Palace said.

The prince was also seen chatting with President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka, although in a nod to US domestic outrage over Saudi Arabia, the White House downplayed the encounter.

"They exchanged pleasantries at the leaders' session as he did with nearly every leader in attendance," a senior White House official said.

Trump, meanwhile, said "we had no discussion. We might, but we had none." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, however, separately met with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, the State Department said.

Until Khashoggi's killing, Trump had been an unabashed fan of the prince as the young leader who portrays himself as a reformist consolidated power and detained prominent Saudis, with the heir apparent forging a particularly close relationship with Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner.

Trump has since voiced sadness over the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post.

But, in an exclamation point-heavy statement before the summit, Trump said it did not matter whether Prince Mohammed knew about Khashoggi's death because Saudi Arabia was important for US business and for its hostility to Iran.

The US Senate nonetheless moved this week to end support for the Saudi-led war against rebels in Yemen amid outrage over attacks on civilian sites including a school bus and hospitals.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking to Sky News before the summit, said she would press the crown prince both on Yemen and Khashoggi at the G20.

"The Saudi Arabians need to ensure that their investigation is a full investigation, that it's credible, that it's transparent, and that people can have confidence in the outcome of it, and that those responsible are held to account," May said.

The de facto Saudi ruler got a warmer audience in Buenos Aires with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who "firmly supports" Riyadh's reform drive, the Xinhua news agency reported.

China "will continue to stick together with the Arab country on issues involving their core interests," Xinhua quoted Xi as telling the prince.&nbsp;

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman showed himself to be no pariah Friday at the G20 summit, with a beaming Vladimir Putin welcoming him but European leaders warning him over the killing of a dissident journalist.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman showed himself to be no pariah Friday at the G20 summit, with a beaming Vladimir Putin welcoming him but European leaders warning him over the killing of a dissident journalist. Less than two months after Saudi Arabia outraged allies when a hit team murdered Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's Istanbul consulate, Prince Mohammed flew into Buenos Aires to take his place among leaders of the top 20 global economies, a sign that he intends to remain firmly in charge. In an image that quickly went viral online, Russian President Putin and the 33-year-old prince grinned broadly and gave each other an effusive handshake as if they were long-lost friends reunited at the G20. Their embrace comes amid reports that Russia and Saudi Arabia have reached a pact to cut oil production when the OPEC cartel meets on December 6 in Vienna, to help shore up collapsing crude prices. Kirill Dmitriev, the chief of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, told reporters that Putin would meet the prince Saturday and discuss boosting Saudi Arabia's $2 billion investment in Russia. But the prince appeared to receive a more critical reception from French President Emmanuel Macron, who was overheard on a microphone voicing concerns. "Don't worry," Prince Mohammed is heard saying in English to the French leader, who responds, "I do worry. I am worried." The clip was partially inaudible and the context of the exchange was not entirely clear. But it received wide traction on social media, with Macron telling the prince, "You never listen to me," to which Prince Mohammed replies, "I will listen, of course." The French presidency said that Macron spoke to the prince about the killing of Khashoggi and the Saudi-led offensive in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation in what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Macron told the prince that Europeans wanted international investigators to take part in the probe on Khashoggi's death and stressed "the necessity of a political solution in Yemen," the Elysee Palace said. The prince was also seen chatting with President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka, although in a nod to US domestic outrage over Saudi Arabia, the White House downplayed the encounter. "They exchanged pleasantries at the leaders' session as he did with nearly every leader in attendance," a senior White House official said. Trump, meanwhile, said "we had no discussion. We might, but we had none." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, however, separately met with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, the State Department said. Until Khashoggi's killing, Trump had been an unabashed fan of the prince as the young leader who portrays himself as a reformist consolidated power and detained prominent Saudis, with the heir apparent forging a particularly close relationship with Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner. Trump has since voiced sadness over the killing of Khashoggi, who lived in the United States and wrote for The Washington Post. But, in an exclamation point-heavy statement before the summit, Trump said it did not matter whether Prince Mohammed knew about Khashoggi's death because Saudi Arabia was important for US business and for its hostility to Iran. The US Senate nonetheless moved this week to end support for the Saudi-led war against rebels in Yemen amid outrage over attacks on civilian sites including a school bus and hospitals. British Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking to Sky News before the summit, said she would press the crown prince both on Yemen and Khashoggi at the G20. "The Saudi Arabians need to ensure that their investigation is a full investigation, that it's credible, that it's transparent, and that people can have confidence in the outcome of it, and that those responsible are held to account," May said. The de facto Saudi ruler got a warmer audience in Buenos Aires with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who "firmly supports" Riyadh's reform drive, the Xinhua news agency reported. China "will continue to stick together with the Arab country on issues involving their core interests," Xinhua quoted Xi as telling the prince.

Saudi prince back on stage to Putin delight, Macron warning

By Akash Rai

On the event of 'Yoga for peace' in Argentina, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit,&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-connecting-india-argentina-pm-modi-180331">described yoga as India's gift to the world</a>.

“It is difficult to find a better name than this for a yoga program. Yoga helps us acquire better mental and physical health. It gives strength to our body and peace to our mind,”&nbsp;said PM Modi.

PM Modi expressed his affection towards yoga, adding that, “When there will be peace in a person's mind, there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace."

In his speech, the Prime Minister further added, "the meaning of yoga is to add, it connects us with wellness, connects to happiness. Today, the distance of thousands of kilometers between India and Argentina is connecting our people, We are locking ourselves in a relation.”

It is well known that PM Modi is one of the biggest supporters&nbsp;and advertisers of yoga all across the world. His constant effort got the United Nations declare June 21 as the International Yoga Day, a move that popularised the ancient art across the world, highlighting its significance in maintaining health and peace of mind.

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When there will be peace in a person's mind there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace: PM Modi at "Yoga For Peace" event in Buenos Aires, Argentina <a href="https://t.co/K33uDKKxjf">pic.twitter.com/K33uDKKxjf</a>
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The campaign of International Yoga Day was crafted India's Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji who introduced the draft resolution in UNGA.&nbsp;

On December 11, 2014, the draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from many global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature.

The ministry of AYUSH is constantly working toward taking the benefits of yoga to the people of country.

&nbsp;

By Akash Rai On the event of 'Yoga for peace' in Argentina, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described yoga as India's gift to the world.

By Akash Rai On the event of 'Yoga for peace' in Argentina, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described yoga as India's gift to the world. “It is difficult to find a better name than this for a yoga program. Yoga helps us acquire better mental and physical health. It gives strength to our body and peace to our mind,” said PM Modi. PM Modi expressed his affection towards yoga, adding that, “When there will be peace in a person's mind, there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace." In his speech, the Prime Minister further added, "the meaning of yoga is to add, it connects us with wellness, connects to happiness. Today, the distance of thousands of kilometers between India and Argentina is connecting our people, We are locking ourselves in a relation.” It is well known that PM Modi is one of the biggest supporters and advertisers of yoga all across the world. His constant effort got the United Nations declare June 21 as the International Yoga Day, a move that popularised the ancient art across the world, highlighting its significance in maintaining health and peace of mind. When there will be peace in a person's mind there will be peace in family, society, country and the world. Yoga is India's gift to the world for health, wellness and peace: PM Modi at "Yoga For Peace" event in Buenos Aires, Argentina pic.twitter.com/K33uDKKxjf — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × The campaign of International Yoga Day was crafted India's Permanent Representative Asoke Mukherji who introduced the draft resolution in UNGA. On December 11, 2014, the draft text received broad support from 177 Member States who sponsored the text, which was adopted without a vote. This initiative found support from many global leaders. A total of 177 nations co-sponsored the resolution, the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any UNGA resolution of such nature. The ministry of AYUSH is constantly working toward taking the benefits of yoga to the people of country.

Yoga is India's gift to world: PM Modi in Argentina

Donald Trump's cancellation of weekend talks with his Russian counterpart is the latest in a series of collapsed efforts towards rapprochement.

After having promised during his 2016 electoral campaign to mend ties with Russia, the US president faced several global disputes that made a thaw difficult.

At the same time, the US special counsel's probe of possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia raised domestic suspicion over any efforts towards accommodation with his Kremlin counterpart.

Trump's own conciliatory attitude also stirred the hostility of an American Congress which has stood up to Moscow.

Sensitive matters

This time, it's the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine that intervened when the two leaders were supposed to meet Saturday at the G20 summit in Argentina.

After Russian forces last weekend seized three Ukrainian ships off the coast of Crimea, Trump on Thursday said "it would be best for all parties" to cancel his meeting with Putin.

Trump added that he looks forward to a "meaningful summit again as soon as this situation is resolved."

The Ukraine case reflects Washington's ambivalent attitude since the billionaire Republican property tycoon entered the White House early last year.

"The United States would welcome a normal relationship with Russia. But outlaw actions like this one continue to make that impossible," US Ambassador Nikki Haley told a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine Monday.

Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 has led to numerous rounds of US sanctions.

But when he met Putin for a summit in July this year in Helsinki, Trump was restrained on issues related to Ukraine.

On other matters, the two presidents would like to cooperate, starting with war-ravaged Syria.&nbsp;

The US and Russia have backed competing factions in Syria, but on the sidelines of an APEC summit one year ago in Vietnam -- where the two presidents chatted together -- they issued a joint presidential statement that there was "no military solution" to the war.

This embryonic entente was quickly contradicted on the battlefield.

In April Trump ordered the US military to launch joint missile strikes against Syrian targets, with France and Britain, after an alleged chemical weapons attack that left scores of Syrians dead.&nbsp;

The use of a nerve agent against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England early this year also poisoned the warming of ties which Trump and Putin wanted.

In August the US said it was imposing new sanctions on Russia over the case. Washington also expelled 60 Russian diplomats for alleged spying, and Moscow retaliated in kind.

The Mueller probe

For Trump's detractors, the root concern is Russian interference in the 2016 election which brought him to power, and possible collusion between Moscow and Trump's campaign team -- an issue being investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

From the start, all the overtures Trump made in the direction of Putin were interpreted by his critics in light of suspected collusion.

Most of the more than 30 people charged by Mueller are Russians, but the investigator has also secured guilty pleas on various charges against former Trump aides.

Trump routinely denounces Mueller's investigation as a witch hunt and the White House has said it has polluted American-Russian relations.

As a result, questions are being raised as the Mueller probe seems to intensify -- and so do Trump's attacks on it.

"Did Trump cancel his meeting with Putin because of Russian attack on Ukraine or Cohen revelations?" the former US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul, asked on Twitter.

Trump pulled out of the G20 Putin meeting after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in court to lying to Congress about trying to negotiate a deal for a Trump Tower project in Moscow well into the middle of 2016.

At that time Trump had already secured the Republican nomination for president.

- Trump controversies - 
But it is often the attitude of Donald Trump himself that finally undermines efforts at rapprochement.

Both in Vietnam in November 2017, then in Helsinki last July, the US president seemed to give more weight to Russian denials of alleged interference than to accusations by his own intelligence agencies.

Trump then backpedalled.

While numerous officials acknowledge that it would be good to stand firm against Russia, most say Trump isn't capable of it.

His summit with Putin in Helsinki became controversial domestically after he and the Russian president held two hours of closed-door talks with no one else present but the interpreters.

"I would have suggested a different way," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said at the time.

The task is all the more complicated for the president because he has to work with a Congress that, even among his own Republican party, favors firmness towards Moscow.

Thursday's summit cancellation, therefore drew more praise than criticism.

"It's still a good decision for the US&nbsp;Very unlikely Trump would have delivered a stiff message to Putin personally," former diplomat Nicholas Burns said on Twitter.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Donald Trump's cancellation of weekend talks with his Russian counterpart is the latest in a series of collapsed efforts towards rapprochement. After having promised during his 2016 electoral campaign to mend ties with Russia, the US president faced several global disputes that made a thaw difficult.

Donald Trump's cancellation of weekend talks with his Russian counterpart is the latest in a series of collapsed efforts towards rapprochement. After having promised during his 2016 electoral campaign to mend ties with Russia, the US president faced several global disputes that made a thaw difficult. At the same time, the US special counsel's probe of possible collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia raised domestic suspicion over any efforts towards accommodation with his Kremlin counterpart. Trump's own conciliatory attitude also stirred the hostility of an American Congress which has stood up to Moscow. Sensitive matters This time, it's the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine that intervened when the two leaders were supposed to meet Saturday at the G20 summit in Argentina. After Russian forces last weekend seized three Ukrainian ships off the coast of Crimea, Trump on Thursday said "it would be best for all parties" to cancel his meeting with Putin. Trump added that he looks forward to a "meaningful summit again as soon as this situation is resolved." The Ukraine case reflects Washington's ambivalent attitude since the billionaire Republican property tycoon entered the White House early last year. "The United States would welcome a normal relationship with Russia. But outlaw actions like this one continue to make that impossible," US Ambassador Nikki Haley told a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine Monday. Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 has led to numerous rounds of US sanctions. But when he met Putin for a summit in July this year in Helsinki, Trump was restrained on issues related to Ukraine. On other matters, the two presidents would like to cooperate, starting with war-ravaged Syria. The US and Russia have backed competing factions in Syria, but on the sidelines of an APEC summit one year ago in Vietnam -- where the two presidents chatted together -- they issued a joint presidential statement that there was "no military solution" to the war. This embryonic entente was quickly contradicted on the battlefield. In April Trump ordered the US military to launch joint missile strikes against Syrian targets, with France and Britain, after an alleged chemical weapons attack that left scores of Syrians dead. The use of a nerve agent against former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England early this year also poisoned the warming of ties which Trump and Putin wanted. In August the US said it was imposing new sanctions on Russia over the case. Washington also expelled 60 Russian diplomats for alleged spying, and Moscow retaliated in kind. The Mueller probe For Trump's detractors, the root concern is Russian interference in the 2016 election which brought him to power, and possible collusion between Moscow and Trump's campaign team -- an issue being investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. From the start, all the overtures Trump made in the direction of Putin were interpreted by his critics in light of suspected collusion. Most of the more than 30 people charged by Mueller are Russians, but the investigator has also secured guilty pleas on various charges against former Trump aides. Trump routinely denounces Mueller's investigation as a witch hunt and the White House has said it has polluted American-Russian relations. As a result, questions are being raised as the Mueller probe seems to intensify -- and so do Trump's attacks on it. "Did Trump cancel his meeting with Putin because of Russian attack on Ukraine or Cohen revelations?" the former US ambassador to Moscow, Michael McFaul, asked on Twitter. Trump pulled out of the G20 Putin meeting after his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty in court to lying to Congress about trying to negotiate a deal for a Trump Tower project in Moscow well into the middle of 2016. At that time Trump had already secured the Republican nomination for president. - Trump controversies - But it is often the attitude of Donald Trump himself that finally undermines efforts at rapprochement. Both in Vietnam in November 2017, then in Helsinki last July, the US president seemed to give more weight to Russian denials of alleged interference than to accusations by his own intelligence agencies. Trump then backpedalled. While numerous officials acknowledge that it would be good to stand firm against Russia, most say Trump isn't capable of it. His summit with Putin in Helsinki became controversial domestically after he and the Russian president held two hours of closed-door talks with no one else present but the interpreters. "I would have suggested a different way," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said at the time. The task is all the more complicated for the president because he has to work with a Congress that, even among his own Republican party, favors firmness towards Moscow. Thursday's summit cancellation, therefore drew more praise than criticism. "It's still a good decision for the US Very unlikely Trump would have delivered a stiff message to Putin personally," former diplomat Nicholas Burns said on Twitter.

Trump-Putin: A rapprochement unrealised

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. He said India will speak on the issue of terror, strengthening of Financial Action Task Force and bringing to book fugitive economic offenders.

On FATF a political message will be sent and it is not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals required by all countries.

India will also raise the issue of economic offenders in fellow G20 countries. This is on the basis of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya having a safe haven in the UK.

WION: What will be India's focus at this years G20 Summit?

Shaktikanta Das: India wants G20 to focus on the main challenges confronting the world. The main challenges are not just emanating from trade conflict, tariff conflict between certain big economies. This is a problem. Entire G20 should not be hijacked by the single current problem. There are other issues as well as Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs of 2030, how to deal with the problem of artificial intelligence and job creation. These are bigger challenges which G20 should focus on and we have been emphasising that while we should discuss trade issues and find a resolution on trade tariff issue, the focus should be on a wide range of issues as well.&nbsp;

WION: What is the relevance of G20 today and 10 years after the leaders' summit in 2008?

Shaktikanta Das: G20 became very active and proactive from 2008. In the last 10 years, if we look back to see&nbsp;what it has achieved in terms of outcomes, the first G20 summit saw agreements among leaders to take coordinated measures for the revival of the global economy. So, the kind of problems confronting the world in 2008 were contained in subsequent years. The first tangible outcomes of the G20 summits after 2008 is how to deal with global economic challenges. Number two is the monetary policy action of the developed countries. We saw monetary expansion post-2008. &nbsp;After they started withdrawing, there was a flight of capital from emerging economies to developed countries. Known popularly were&nbsp;taper tantrums. Thanks to G20 leaders who prevailed upon to spell-out in advance, a calibrated response in the withdrawal of monetary expansion policies so that the rest of the economies or rest of the world economies&nbsp;don't suffer. The third outcome&nbsp;is quota reforms at IMF. So, a lot of outcomes.&nbsp;

WION: What will be the India story at G20 summit in Argentina?

Shaktikanta Das: You see achievement which India has accomplished in the last few years have been widely appreciated and widely recognised. I can tell you from my experience. Naturally, when PM attends the summit, discussions will happen and these things will be refocused. India is looked on as a major global power and not just another G20 country. When India talks, it talks as a major global player who is trying to resolve major global issues such as the issue of terrorism. In Hamburg, our PM came out on an 11-point agenda to deal with the problem of terrorism. That has been accepted and the stand-alone statement was issued.&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;How big will be the issue of terror for India?

Shaktikanta Das: India will focus on the issue of terrorism and terror financing. Making FATF more active and ensuring universal implementation of its rules. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries. Our focus will be on terrorism, terrorism financing, on unaccounted money and unaccounted flow what we call as black money. As you are aware, the prime minister had made an initiative in Brisbane summit and following this, we have multilateral agreements on sharing of information between countries. It's already implemented and countries are sharing information. India has a big story to tell in the fight against black money and India would like further action on that front. There is also need for greater cooperation on economic offence and problem of the fugitive economic offender. Economic offences have posed&nbsp;a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of global economy&nbsp;

WION: So India will be raising the issue of economic offenders?

Shaktikanta Das: This has been discussed in meetings of Sherpas during Argentina presidency. The importance of the issue is now recognised by everyone. India is keen&nbsp;on the need for the energy security of emerging economies especially on the issue of stability of oil prices and oil supplies. India will focus on infrastructure and will be also keen on the resolution of trade issue which is an issue between two largest economies in the world.

India would like to play a constructive role so that they discuss the issue. Trade issues if allowed to continue, would have an impact on global growth. When global growth slows down, it impacts poor people.&nbsp;

WION: Compliance of FATF norms will also be raised?

Shaktikanta Das: Usually, G20 leaders give a strong political message on certain issues. Today, there is unanimity among all G20 countries that terror is a big threat to the world community and it has to be dealt with effectively. So FATF, its for the leaders to spell out what kind of appeal, or political message they would like to give to it. FATF has been playing a very significant role. One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions

WION:&nbsp;India has been doing a lot on climate change. How much will that be the focus?

Shaktikanta Das: India has been appealing to countries to join the International Solar Alliance. There has been a good progress. The PM has played important role in COP0-21 negotiations in Paris. Therefore, India would like to stress that the Paris agreement should be implemented. India has a lot of things to tell... we have a strong story to tell. India would like other countries to join the ISA. There was a commitment on climate finance by developed countries... that from 2020, developed countries will provide 100 million dollars in the form of climate finance. We don't see much progress. It's an important part of the Paris climate accord

WION: Cryptocurrency or bitcoin has been another issue of concern.

Shaktikanta Das: India's position has been spelt out by the Finance Minister in the last budget. He has cautioned people. It has the potential to become another Ponzi scheme. Understand it has been discussed in the finance track of G20. This is something that has to be dealt with very carefully.

WION: India has always been raising the issue of black money. Do we expect it to be raised this time since it aligns with the domestic agenda?

Shaktikanta Das: Our PM had talked about it during the Brisbane summit. During the successive summit, India has been focussing on greater coordination. India has enacted its own law on assets outside the country. India has been able to renegotiate tax treaties with Mauritius, Singapore. Fighting the menace of black money has been on India's focus.

WION: Connectivity has become a geopolitical currency but with it comes debt issue. What has been G20's&nbsp;stand?

Shaktikanta Das: Some countries have been raising issues. These are bilateral or regional issues. The issue of sustainable debt does come up.

WION: Big political picture India will be presenting?&nbsp;

Shaktikanta Das: India is playing an important role in G20 and Indian participation is very proactive. The PM is playing a very proactive role at the summit. There is a need to activate other forums like the WTO.

WTO should play a greater role on trade issues, FATF on the terror issue. You have the United Nations. The relevance of the United Nations cant belittled. Poor countries have a voice at the United Nation. All multilateral forums -- UN, WTO, IMF -- need to be activated.

WION: When will India host G20? &nbsp;

Shaktikanta Das: You will get to know when it will be announced.

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal.

Ahead of the big G20 summit in Argentina, India's sherpa or chief negotiator Shaktikanta Das has spoken to WION's Principal diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. He said India will speak on the issue of terror, strengthening of Financial Action Task Force and bringing to book fugitive economic offenders. On FATF a political message will be sent and it is not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals required by all countries. India will also raise the issue of economic offenders in fellow G20 countries. This is on the basis of Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya having a safe haven in the UK. WION: What will be India's focus at this years G20 Summit? Shaktikanta Das: India wants G20 to focus on the main challenges confronting the world. The main challenges are not just emanating from trade conflict, tariff conflict between certain big economies. This is a problem. Entire G20 should not be hijacked by the single current problem. There are other issues as well as Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs of 2030, how to deal with the problem of artificial intelligence and job creation. These are bigger challenges which G20 should focus on and we have been emphasising that while we should discuss trade issues and find a resolution on trade tariff issue, the focus should be on a wide range of issues as well. WION: What is the relevance of G20 today and 10 years after the leaders' summit in 2008? Shaktikanta Das: G20 became very active and proactive from 2008. In the last 10 years, if we look back to see what it has achieved in terms of outcomes, the first G20 summit saw agreements among leaders to take coordinated measures for the revival of the global economy. So, the kind of problems confronting the world in 2008 were contained in subsequent years. The first tangible outcomes of the G20 summits after 2008 is how to deal with global economic challenges. Number two is the monetary policy action of the developed countries. We saw monetary expansion post-2008. After they started withdrawing, there was a flight of capital from emerging economies to developed countries. Known popularly were taper tantrums. Thanks to G20 leaders who prevailed upon to spell-out in advance, a calibrated response in the withdrawal of monetary expansion policies so that the rest of the economies or rest of the world economies don't suffer. The third outcome is quota reforms at IMF. So, a lot of outcomes. WION: What will be the India story at G20 summit in Argentina? Shaktikanta Das: You see achievement which India has accomplished in the last few years have been widely appreciated and widely recognised. I can tell you from my experience. Naturally, when PM attends the summit, discussions will happen and these things will be refocused. India is looked on as a major global power and not just another G20 country. When India talks, it talks as a major global player who is trying to resolve major global issues such as the issue of terrorism. In Hamburg, our PM came out on an 11-point agenda to deal with the problem of terrorism. That has been accepted and the stand-alone statement was issued. WION: How big will be the issue of terror for India? Shaktikanta Das: India will focus on the issue of terrorism and terror financing. Making FATF more active and ensuring universal implementation of its rules. Not just passing laws to deal with terror but the actual implementation of FATF principals by all countries. Our focus will be on terrorism, terrorism financing, on unaccounted money and unaccounted flow what we call as black money. As you are aware, the prime minister had made an initiative in Brisbane summit and following this, we have multilateral agreements on sharing of information between countries. It's already implemented and countries are sharing information. India has a big story to tell in the fight against black money and India would like further action on that front. There is also need for greater cooperation on economic offence and problem of the fugitive economic offender. Economic offences have posed a major threat to the global economy and can undermine the economic stability of global economy WION: So India will be raising the issue of economic offenders? Shaktikanta Das: This has been discussed in meetings of Sherpas during Argentina presidency. The importance of the issue is now recognised by everyone. India is keen on the need for the energy security of emerging economies especially on the issue of stability of oil prices and oil supplies. India will focus on infrastructure and will be also keen on the resolution of trade issue which is an issue between two largest economies in the world. India would like to play a constructive role so that they discuss the issue. Trade issues if allowed to continue, would have an impact on global growth. When global growth slows down, it impacts poor people. WION: Compliance of FATF norms will also be raised? Shaktikanta Das: Usually, G20 leaders give a strong political message on certain issues. Today, there is unanimity among all G20 countries that terror is a big threat to the world community and it has to be dealt with effectively. So FATF, its for the leaders to spell out what kind of appeal, or political message they would like to give to it. FATF has been playing a very significant role. One must recognize how to further strengthen the implementation of FATF standards by non-compliant countries and jurisdictions WION: India has been doing a lot on climate change. How much will that be the focus? Shaktikanta Das: India has been appealing to countries to join the International Solar Alliance. There has been a good progress. The PM has played important role in COP0-21 negotiations in Paris. Therefore, India would like to stress that the Paris agreement should be implemented. India has a lot of things to tell... we have a strong story to tell. India would like other countries to join the ISA. There was a commitment on climate finance by developed countries... that from 2020, developed countries will provide 100 million dollars in the form of climate finance. We don't see much progress. It's an important part of the Paris climate accord WION: Cryptocurrency or bitcoin has been another issue of concern. Shaktikanta Das: India's position has been spelt out by the Finance Minister in the last budget. He has cautioned people. It has the potential to become another Ponzi scheme. Understand it has been discussed in the finance track of G20. This is something that has to be dealt with very carefully. WION: India has always been raising the issue of black money. Do we expect it to be raised this time since it aligns with the domestic agenda? Shaktikanta Das: Our PM had talked about it during the Brisbane summit. During the successive summit, India has been focussing on greater coordination. India has enacted its own law on assets outside the country. India has been able to renegotiate tax treaties with Mauritius, Singapore. Fighting the menace of black money has been on India's focus. WION: Connectivity has become a geopolitical currency but with it comes debt issue. What has been G20's stand? Shaktikanta Das: Some countries have been raising issues. These are bilateral or regional issues. The issue of sustainable debt does come up. WION: Big political picture India will be presenting? Shaktikanta Das: India is playing an important role in G20 and Indian participation is very proactive. The PM is playing a very proactive role at the summit. There is a need to activate other forums like the WTO. WTO should play a greater role on trade issues, FATF on the terror issue. You have the United Nations. The relevance of the United Nations cant belittled. Poor countries have a voice at the United Nation. All multilateral forums -- UN, WTO, IMF -- need to be activated. WION: When will India host G20? Shaktikanta Das: You will get to know when it will be announced.

Strengthening FATF India's top focus at G20: India's Sherpa Shaktikanta Das to WION

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-a-day-of-trilaterals-for-india-180323">G20 summit</a> here on Friday and they discussed ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties.

The two sides also held discussions on enhancing investment in technology, renewable energy and food security.

"Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

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Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties. <a href="https://t.co/KYeIiG2FET">pic.twitter.com/KYeIiG2FET</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1068274451286880256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Deepening strategic ties. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on sidelines of #G20Argentina. Discussed enhancing Saudi investment in technology, infrastructure, petroleum, renewable energy, food security, fintech &amp; defence sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted.

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Foreign Secy:Crown Prince informed PM that Saudi will be finalising an initial investment into national infrastructure fund.He referred to future prospects for investment in tech,agricultural&amp;energy sectors. PM,in particular,stressed upon importance of having stable energy prices <a href="https://t.co/A1TXQp5z2Y">pic.twitter.com/A1TXQp5z2Y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068298727423655936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner. The relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed," PMO sources said.

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PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PM Modi is in Argentina to attend the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hKV9HZQhH8">pic.twitter.com/hKV9HZQhH8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1068279688001282048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Later, the prime minister will meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to the sources, the UN Secretary-General has reached out to the PM for the second time in two months.

They said the meeting signifies the importance that both leaders attach to the issue of climate change. This outreach comes just a week before the COP24 meeting in Katowice, Poland.

"It reflects the respect in which the prime minister and his initiatives are held globally to take the lead on issues of global importance," the sources said.

On the sidelines of the two-day 13th <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-begins-today-pm-modi-says-focus-on-fugitive-economic-offenders-strengthening-global-economy-180324">G-20 summit</a>, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday the trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi will be held towards the end of the Trump-Abe talks.

"Looking forward to a wide range of interactions at the G-20 Summit, aimed at furthering sustainable development," Prime Minister Modi tweeted soon after he landed here.

Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure.

He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit here on Friday and they discussed ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit here on Friday and they discussed ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties. The two sides also held discussions on enhancing investment in technology, renewable energy and food security. "Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties," the prime minister wrote on Twitter. Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties. pic.twitter.com/KYeIiG2FET — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 29, 2018 × "Deepening strategic ties. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on sidelines of #G20Argentina. Discussed enhancing Saudi investment in technology, infrastructure, petroleum, renewable energy, food security, fintech & defence sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted. Foreign Secy:Crown Prince informed PM that Saudi will be finalising an initial investment into national infrastructure fund.He referred to future prospects for investment in tech,agricultural&energy sectors. PM,in particular,stressed upon importance of having stable energy prices pic.twitter.com/A1TXQp5z2Y — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × "In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner. The relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed," PMO sources said. PM Narendra Modi held bilateral meeting with Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in Buenos Aires, Argentina. PM Modi is in Argentina to attend the #G20Summit. pic.twitter.com/hKV9HZQhH8 — ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2018 × Later, the prime minister will meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to the sources, the UN Secretary-General has reached out to the PM for the second time in two months. They said the meeting signifies the importance that both leaders attach to the issue of climate change. This outreach comes just a week before the COP24 meeting in Katowice, Poland. "It reflects the respect in which the prime minister and his initiatives are held globally to take the lead on issues of global importance," the sources said. On the sidelines of the two-day 13th G-20 summit, Modi, Trump and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral, which would be an expansion of the bilateral meeting between Trump and Abe, is part of the series of meetings the US president would have on the sidelines of the G-20 summit on November 30 and December 1. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday the trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi will be held towards the end of the Trump-Abe talks. "Looking forward to a wide range of interactions at the G-20 Summit, aimed at furthering sustainable development," Prime Minister Modi tweeted soon after he landed here. Modi will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the event, the Ministry of External Affairs had said on the eve of his departure. He will be in Buenos Aires from November 29 to December 1.

Discussed ways to further boost ties: PM Modi after meeting Saudi Crown Prince on G20 sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi on the first day of G20 Summit in Argentina took part in BRICS informal meet<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-pm-modi-discusses-global-climate-change-with-un-secretary-general-180330"> and met </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/g20-pm-modi-invites-president-xi-to-india-for-next-informal-summit-180529">Chinese&nbsp;President Xi Jinping</a>.

At the BRICS informal meet, which has become a tradition on the sidelines of G20, PM Modi raised the issue of terror and radicalisation. He said, "Terrorism and radicalism are a threat to the world, those who commit financial crimes are also a big threat. We have to work together against black money."

India has already been raising the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating&nbsp;from Pakistan from the various global forum.&nbsp;

Lauding <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-connecting-india-argentina-pm-modi-180331">BRICS as a grouping</a>, PM said, "We have to talk in one voice for the interest of developing nations in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. This is the reason we have come together for BRICS".

Last year, informal BRICS meet on the sidelines of 12th G20 summit in Hamburg helped India and China break the ice on the Doklam issue. Indian PM and Chinese president had met on the sidelines of that BRICS informal meet.

Later, PM Modi met the&nbsp;Chinese president - the fourth meeting between the two leaders in this&nbsp;year. PM said,&nbsp;"This has been a good year for bilateral ties".&nbsp;

Recalling the Wuhan informal summit, PM Modi said, "it was&nbsp;a&nbsp;milestone and&nbsp;engagement&nbsp;between the two countries got new&nbsp;momentum".

He also invited Chinese&nbsp;President Xi Jinping to India for the 2019 informal meet.&nbsp;

Recalling his meet with Chinese&nbsp;president on the sidelines of SCO summit in China and BRICS summit in South Africa, PM hoped the momentum in ties continued.

Later briefing the media, foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "fourth meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi made progress on the economic side. On the political side as well both leaders&nbsp;felt that there has been a&nbsp;progress on border management, counter-terrorism agenda and people to people issues".

China is willing to exchange more on the hydrological issue. Remember India was alerted on Brahmaputra flow issue earlier this year. Both sides are also training Afghan diplomats as part of a first joint project between India and China agreed during the Wuhan summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of G20 Summit in Argentina took part in BRICS informal meet and met Chinese President Xi Jinping. At the BRICS informal meet, which has become a tradition on the sidelines of G20, PM Modi raised the issue of terror and radicalisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of G20 Summit in Argentina took part in BRICS informal meet and met Chinese President Xi Jinping. At the BRICS informal meet, which has become a tradition on the sidelines of G20, PM Modi raised the issue of terror and radicalisation. He said, "Terrorism and radicalism are a threat to the world, those who commit financial crimes are also a big threat. We have to work together against black money." India has already been raising the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan from the various global forum. Lauding BRICS as a grouping, PM said, "We have to talk in one voice for the interest of developing nations in the United Nations and other multilateral organisations. This is the reason we have come together for BRICS". Last year, informal BRICS meet on the sidelines of 12th G20 summit in Hamburg helped India and China break the ice on the Doklam issue. Indian PM and Chinese president had met on the sidelines of that BRICS informal meet. Later, PM Modi met the Chinese president - the fourth meeting between the two leaders in this year. PM said, "This has been a good year for bilateral ties". Recalling the Wuhan informal summit, PM Modi said, "it was a milestone and engagement between the two countries got new momentum". He also invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for the 2019 informal meet. Recalling his meet with Chinese president on the sidelines of SCO summit in China and BRICS summit in South Africa, PM hoped the momentum in ties continued. Later briefing the media, foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "fourth meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi made progress on the economic side. On the political side as well both leaders felt that there has been a progress on border management, counter-terrorism agenda and people to people issues". China is willing to exchange more on the hydrological issue. Remember India was alerted on Brahmaputra flow issue earlier this year. Both sides are also training Afghan diplomats as part of a first joint project between India and China agreed during the Wuhan summit.

PM Modi meets President Xi, takes part in BRICS meet as G20 summit begins

China and the United States can reach a trade agreement at the G20 meeting in Argentina this week, the state-run China Daily newspaper said in an editorial on Friday, but Washington must be "fair minded" if it wants to defuse spiralling tensions.

"Beijing wants a deal, just as Washington does. And it is willing to cooperate with Washington in dealing with concerns about trade if they are fair-minded," the paper said.

"Should there be any other aspirations, such as taking advantage of the trade spat to throttle Chinese growth, then an agreement is unlikely to be reached," it said.

World leaders started arriving in Buenos Aires on Thursday ahead of the gathering of the Group of 20, where global trade tensions, fuelled by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's trade war with China, are expected to dominate the agenda.

Financial and commodities markets are closely watching the outcome of the summit, especially a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, although the outcome is far from certain.

The stakes are high for the world's two biggest economies. Official data on Friday showed that growth in China's manufacturing sector stalled for the first time in more than two years in November.

New export orders declined for a sixth straight month, according to an official survey of Chinese manufacturers.

"In terms of economic effects, Chinese export growth will likely weaken in coming months on payback from recent 'front-loading', and - unless a deal is reached - over time by some US&nbsp;substitution to non-Chinese suppliers," Goldman Sachs wrote in a note.

In the short term, US&nbsp;tariffs and the trade war would increase uncertainty for Chinese investment and durables consumption, according to Goldman.

Mixed signals

Trump sent mixed signals on Thursday about the prospects for a trade deal with China, saying an agreement was close but he was not sure he wanted one. China's commerce ministry said on Thursday it was hoping for "positive results".

Peter Navarro, Trump's hardline trade adviser, will attend the meeting between the leaders, a US&nbsp;official told Reuters. Another official said Navarro's addition was meant to send a message to China about the administration's resolve on trade. Navarro has advocated a tough stance against Beijing.

The China Daily editorial said even if a deal were struck it was unlikely to be a comprehensive solution to the trade impasse due to "diverging demands and agendas". It cited tensions over Chinese technological development, a focus of US&nbsp;concern.

"However, it should be feasible for some kind of agreement to be reached to prevent the dispute worsening if both sides are reasonable," it said.

A deal involving a total scrapping of all tariffs is not expected, although many observers have not ruled out a "pause" in the trade war where any planned tariff increases are put on hold while talks between the two sides continue.

The rising tensions have seen the two countries hit each other with tit-for-tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars in sectors from automobiles to agriculture and energy, stymying trade and redrawing global supply chains.

The United States has levied additional duties of between 10 percent and 25 percent on $250 billion of Chinese goods this year as punishment for what it calls China's unfair trade practices, with the 10 percent tariffs set to climb to 25 percent next year. China has responded with its own tariffs.

China and the United States can reach a trade agreement at the G20 meeting in Argentina this week, the state-run China Daily newspaper said in an editorial on Friday, but Washington must be "fair minded" if it wants to defuse spiralling tensions.

China and the United States can reach a trade agreement at the G20 meeting in Argentina this week, the state-run China Daily newspaper said in an editorial on Friday, but Washington must be "fair minded" if it wants to defuse spiralling tensions. "Beijing wants a deal, just as Washington does. And it is willing to cooperate with Washington in dealing with concerns about trade if they are fair-minded," the paper said. "Should there be any other aspirations, such as taking advantage of the trade spat to throttle Chinese growth, then an agreement is unlikely to be reached," it said. World leaders started arriving in Buenos Aires on Thursday ahead of the gathering of the Group of 20, where global trade tensions, fuelled by US President Donald Trump's trade war with China, are expected to dominate the agenda. Financial and commodities markets are closely watching the outcome of the summit, especially a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, although the outcome is far from certain. The stakes are high for the world's two biggest economies. Official data on Friday showed that growth in China's manufacturing sector stalled for the first time in more than two years in November. New export orders declined for a sixth straight month, according to an official survey of Chinese manufacturers. "In terms of economic effects, Chinese export growth will likely weaken in coming months on payback from recent 'front-loading', and - unless a deal is reached - over time by some US substitution to non-Chinese suppliers," Goldman Sachs wrote in a note. In the short term, US tariffs and the trade war would increase uncertainty for Chinese investment and durables consumption, according to Goldman. Mixed signals Trump sent mixed signals on Thursday about the prospects for a trade deal with China, saying an agreement was close but he was not sure he wanted one. China's commerce ministry said on Thursday it was hoping for "positive results". Peter Navarro, Trump's hardline trade adviser, will attend the meeting between the leaders, a US official told Reuters. Another official said Navarro's addition was meant to send a message to China about the administration's resolve on trade. Navarro has advocated a tough stance against Beijing. The China Daily editorial said even if a deal were struck it was unlikely to be a comprehensive solution to the trade impasse due to "diverging demands and agendas". It cited tensions over Chinese technological development, a focus of US concern. "However, it should be feasible for some kind of agreement to be reached to prevent the dispute worsening if both sides are reasonable," it said. A deal involving a total scrapping of all tariffs is not expected, although many observers have not ruled out a "pause" in the trade war where any planned tariff increases are put on hold while talks between the two sides continue. The rising tensions have seen the two countries hit each other with tit-for-tariffs on goods worth hundreds of billions of dollars in sectors from automobiles to agriculture and energy, stymying trade and redrawing global supply chains. The United States has levied additional duties of between 10 percent and 25 percent on $250 billion of Chinese goods this year as punishment for what it calls China's unfair trade practices, with the 10 percent tariffs set to climb to 25 percent next year. China has responded with its own tariffs.

Trade deal possible at G20 but US must be 'fair minded': Chinese media

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing.

Merkel and German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz will resume their travel to Buenos Aires early on Friday, but the long flight time means they will arrive after world leaders start their discussions.

The government`s Airbus A340 aircraft carrying Merkel and her delegation to the Group of 20 summit of industrialised nations turned around after technical problems surfaced an hour into the 15-hour flight, and landed safely at the Cologne-Bonn airport.

"It was a serious malfunction," Merkel told reporters hours later, after the delegation was brought to a hotel in Bonn. "Luckily, we had an excellent crew and the most experienced pilot of the special air mission wing."

The airplane captain told passengers he had decided to land after the "malfunction of several electronic systems", but said there had been no security risk.

Merkel and other passengers initially remained on board the aircraft, called "Konrad Adenauer", as mechanics inspected its brakes and several fire engines waited nearby, according to a Reuters reporter on board.

Der Spiegel magazine said the entire communication system malfunctioned, constituting a serious emergency, with the crew forced to plan the landing using an on-board satellite phone.

Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen was informed about the incident immediately, and tried for hours to organise an alternate aircraft to carry Merkel and her entourage.&nbsp;

The German military blog Augengeradeaus reported that the plane`s transponder was transmitting the code 7600 which refers to a radio malfunction.

Later, the delegation travelled by bus to a hotel in Bonn. Delegation sources said a different government plane would fly Merkel and Scholz to Madrid, where they would switch to a commercial carrier for the final leg of the trip.

The delay will complicate Merkel`s schedule at a meeting where the G20 members expect to face difficult negotiations on myriad issues.

Merkel, who had planned bilateral meetings with the presidents of the United States, China, Russia and India, was unlikely to arrive in Buenos Aires until Friday evening, German government sources said. It was not immediately clear which bilateral meetings would have to be rescheduled.

Scholz was grounded on the same A340 aircraft last month after an International Monetary Fund meeting in Indonesia, according to German media reports. They said the issue involved damage caused by rodents. 
&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will miss the opening of the G20 summit in Argentina after what she called a "serious malfunction" forced her government plane to make an unscheduled but safe landing. Merkel and German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz will resume their travel to Buenos Aires early on Friday, but the long flight time means they will arrive after world leaders start their discussions. The government`s Airbus A340 aircraft carrying Merkel and her delegation to the Group of 20 summit of industrialised nations turned around after technical problems surfaced an hour into the 15-hour flight, and landed safely at the Cologne-Bonn airport. "It was a serious malfunction," Merkel told reporters hours later, after the delegation was brought to a hotel in Bonn. "Luckily, we had an excellent crew and the most experienced pilot of the special air mission wing." The airplane captain told passengers he had decided to land after the "malfunction of several electronic systems", but said there had been no security risk. Merkel and other passengers initially remained on board the aircraft, called "Konrad Adenauer", as mechanics inspected its brakes and several fire engines waited nearby, according to a Reuters reporter on board. Der Spiegel magazine said the entire communication system malfunctioned, constituting a serious emergency, with the crew forced to plan the landing using an on-board satellite phone. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen was informed about the incident immediately, and tried for hours to organise an alternate aircraft to carry Merkel and her entourage. The German military blog Augengeradeaus reported that the plane`s transponder was transmitting the code 7600 which refers to a radio malfunction. Later, the delegation travelled by bus to a hotel in Bonn. Delegation sources said a different government plane would fly Merkel and Scholz to Madrid, where they would switch to a commercial carrier for the final leg of the trip. The delay will complicate Merkel`s schedule at a meeting where the G20 members expect to face difficult negotiations on myriad issues. Merkel, who had planned bilateral meetings with the presidents of the United States, China, Russia and India, was unlikely to arrive in Buenos Aires until Friday evening, German government sources said. It was not immediately clear which bilateral meetings would have to be rescheduled. Scholz was grounded on the same A340 aircraft last month after an International Monetary Fund meeting in Indonesia, according to German media reports. They said the issue involved damage caused by rodents.

Germany's Merkel to miss G20 opening after aircraft woes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of global climate change in his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale informed.

Gokhale said that the UN Secretary-General specifically acknowledged the fact that India played a very major role in climate change negotiations.

He also acknowledged that the Indian Prime Minister had taken a number of concrete steps towards addressing climate change in his own country.

Apart from mentioning the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as one of the major initiatives of India towards climate change, Guterres also recalled the environmental impacts of the Swachh Bharat Mission and other campaigns that he witnessed during his recent visit to India last month.

The UN Secretary-General also sincerely hoped and expected that in the forthcoming meeting on COP24 (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), scheduled next week in Poland, India will be playing the role of a good Samaritan and urge various countries to come up with certain solutions which would eventually feed into the climate change summit that Guterres is planning in 2019.

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Foreign Secy Vijay Gokhale in Buenos Aires, Argentina: The main subject of discussion in Prime Minister's meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was the forthcoming climate change meeting in Katowice, Poland, the so-called 'COP 24' <a href="https://t.co/zmrMtv6O8D">pic.twitter.com/zmrMtv6O8D</a>
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Prime Minister Modi also assured the UN Secretary-General that India would play a positive role in the climate change negotiations as it is a part of the Indian culture and civilisation to preserve the environment.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of global climate change in his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale informed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of global climate change in his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale informed. Gokhale said that the UN Secretary-General specifically acknowledged the fact that India played a very major role in climate change negotiations. He also acknowledged that the Indian Prime Minister had taken a number of concrete steps towards addressing climate change in his own country. Apart from mentioning the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as one of the major initiatives of India towards climate change, Guterres also recalled the environmental impacts of the Swachh Bharat Mission and other campaigns that he witnessed during his recent visit to India last month. The UN Secretary-General also sincerely hoped and expected that in the forthcoming meeting on COP24 (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), scheduled next week in Poland, India will be playing the role of a good Samaritan and urge various countries to come up with certain solutions which would eventually feed into the climate change summit that Guterres is planning in 2019. Foreign Secy Vijay Gokhale in Buenos Aires, Argentina: The main subject of discussion in Prime Minister's meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was the forthcoming climate change meeting in Katowice, Poland, the so-called 'COP 24' pic.twitter.com/zmrMtv6O8D — ANI (@ANI) November 30, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi also assured the UN Secretary-General that India would play a positive role in the climate change negotiations as it is a part of the Indian culture and civilisation to preserve the environment.

G20 Summit: PM Modi discusses global climate change with UN Secretary General

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