The absence of his two chief global rivals — Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin — provides opportunities for Biden to make a more affirmative case at the summit, White House officials said as the gathering was getting underway in New Delhi. He was expected to announce new plans with partner nations in Europe, the Middle East and Asia to construct a transit corridor connecting the regions, a major challenge to China’s own efforts at expanding global trade.
They view the billions of dollars in western assistance pouring into Ukraine skeptically, and have sought a more balanced relationship with Moscow. Biden’s aides say the President welcomes the opportunity to continue making the case for Ukraine, including to audiences that aren’t necessarily on the same page.