Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines worldwide as he arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the prestigious G20 Summit, held from November 18 to 19, 2024. The summit was hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva and brought together leaders from across the globe.
Upon landing, PM Modi received an enthusiastic welcome from the Indian community, marking the beginning of his engagement at the summit. Through social media posts, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude, stating, "Thankful to President Lula for the warm welcome. Looking forward to the proceedings at the G20 Summit." Modi is not only attending the summit as India's representative but is also part of the G20 Troika, which includes Brazil and South Africa, emphasizing India’s pivotal role within the global forum.
The G20 Summit serves as an important platform for addressing pressing international issues, and PM Modi made it clear he aimed to raise the voice of countries from the Global South. With global challenges such as fuel and food crises affecting these nations disproportionately, he urged fellow leaders to prioritize their needs during the discussions. He stated, "Countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel, and fertilizer crisis caused by global conflicts."
During the summit’s inaugural session, which focused on social inclusion and the fight against hunger and poverty, PM Modi supported Brazil’s initiative to form a "Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty." This alliance, which saw the endorsement of 81 nations, aims to combat the staggering levels of hunger affecting approximately 733 million individuals globally. He pointed out, "Our discussions can only be successful when we keep in mind the challenges and priorities of the Global South."
Modi’s commitment to international collaboration came to the forefront as he engaged with notable leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden and UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines. Modi described these interactions as fruitful and significant, showing India’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships worldwide. Responding to his meeting with Biden, Modi posted, "Always a delight to meet him," on social media.
One of the key discussions at the summit revolved around sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience. Modi underscored India’s proactive measures, highlighting achievements such as lifting 250 million people out of poverty over the past decade and providing free food grains to 800 million individuals. He introduced initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission aimed at improving farming practices through technology.
Adding to the summit's focus on humanitarian assistance, Modi mentioned India's recent contributions to countries affected by hunger, such as Malawi and Zambia. He stated, "India is also contributing to global food security," emphasizing the nation’s role as part of the solution to the humanitarian crisis facing many nations.
Modi's discussion themes also touched on pressing geopolitical concerns, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its global ramifications. He maintained, "The G20 should focus on the most pressing crises of our time and prioritize the welfare of all countries involved." His approach aligns with the previous G20 commitments made during India’s presidency, exemplifying India’s continuous effort to amplify the voice of the Global South on international platforms.
Concluding his initial engagements at the summit, Modi expressed optimism about the dialogues planned and reiterated his belief in the collective strength of member nations to address pressing global challenges effectively. He looked forward to building on the discussions held at earlier summits hosted by India, adding, "We will reform institutions of global governance to reflect the aspirations of the Global South."
The summit highlighted myriad significant topics, including climate change, economic growth, digital transformation, and global health, showcasing the multifaceted approach required to navigate today's interconnected world. Modi's role is particularly pivotal, as he seeks to bridge the gap between the developed and developing nations within the G20 framework.
After addressing the G20 discussions, PM Modi plans to extend his tour with an unprecedented visit to Guyana from November 19 to 21, marking the first time an Indian prime minister has visited the country since 1968. This visit aims to fortify India-Guyana ties and will also include addressing the Parliament of Guyana, reinforcing diplomatic relationships.
The anticipation surrounding the G20 Summit showcases how leaders must adapt to complex global realities. With PM Modi at the forefront, India is clearly positioning itself as not just another player but as a prominent advocate for the Global South, pushing for tangible action on urgent issues such as hunger, poverty, and climate resilience. The outcomes from this G20 Summit could potentially reshape future international cooperation, making it imperative for leaders to heed India’s call for inclusive progress.