During a tour of the Virupaksha temple in Hampi, a guide encouraged G20 delegates to make a wish at the sacred stone near the entrance to overcome obstacles during their negotiations. “There are plenty (of obstacles),” responded Indian Sherpa Amitabh Kant, prompting laughter from everyone.
As the sherpas, or chief negotiators, started discussing the draft joint communique in Hampi, India’s G20 presidency entered its most critical phase. In early July, the first draft communique was circulated to the members, based on which 17 hours of grueling co-drafting sessions were conducted at the scenic World Heritage Site in Karnataka. India plans to