India invited to G20 meet on financial crisis

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is among the top world leaders who have been invited for the second G20 Summit to be held here in April, which will discuss ways and means to reinvigorate growth in the wake of the global economic crisis.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, whose country will host the global economic summit, has sent formal invitations to the world leaders. “The global economic challenges we face need to be met with decisive action if we are to secure jobs, restore confidence and reinvigorate growth,” Brown said on Thursday. Besides leaders from G20 nations, Chair of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the Chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the President of the EU Commission have also been invited for the summit to be held here on April 2.

The event will also be attended by the chairman of the African Union Commission. This is the second meeting of the grouping after the one in Washington on November 15, hosted by former US President George W Bush. “To be effective in addressing this global crisis, we have to bring in partners from across the world. For that reason I have issued invitations to the leaders of G20 countries and the Chairs of NEPAD, ASEAN and the African Union will ensure their interests are not forgotten and their voices are heard,” Brown said. “Having this mix of countries present not only reflects the new reality of the global economy but will also make any action we take more effective,” Gordon said.

Reflecting the participation at the Washington Summit, Brown has invited the Heads of State from India, the US, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic (EU Presidency), France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain and Turkey.

In addition, the Prime Minister is also inviting the heads of a number of global institutions to contribute to specific parts of the agenda.