Ahead of the G20 Summit, scheduled for this week, U.S. President Joe Biden is en route to India. However, before his arrival, a development emerged concerning First Lady Jill Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday at the age of 72. Subsequently, a COVID-19 test was administered to 80-year-old President Biden, yielding a negative result, and thus, his visit to India remains unaffected.
Questions naturally arise regarding President Biden’s visit to India, given his wife’s infection. The White House has issued a statement clarifying that President Biden will strictly adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidelines during his trip to India and Vietnam for the G20 Summit.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre provided details during her daily briefing, emphasizing that President Biden will undergo regular COVID-19 testing as recommended by his medical team. All passengers, including the President, will undergo testing before their journey to India.
President Biden’s visit to India for the G20 Summit is on the agenda, with a bilateral meeting scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 8 on the sidelines of this significant event.
As India currently chairs the G20, the nation hosts the annual summit in New Delhi on September 9 and 10, 2023.
Addressing inquiries about President Biden’s visit, he expressed his anticipation, affirming his readiness to embark on the diplomatic mission. The White House confirmed their commitment to CDC guidelines, encompassing aspects like masking, testing, and symptom monitoring.
The press secretary stated that continuous COVID-19 testing remains in place for senior staff members who are in close proximity to the President.
In conclusion, President Biden’s visit remains unaltered by his wife’s COVID-19 diagnosis. He has tested negative, exhibits no symptoms, and will abide by CDC recommendations, including mask-wearing during his trip. The White House underscores its commitment to established guidelines and procedures for the President’s safety and well-being during international engagements.
The G20 leaders’ summit will see the participation of leaders such as U.S. President Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
