Focus on challenges, priorities of Global South: Modi at G20

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday wanted “the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty”, launched today, to focus on challenges and priorities of the Global South. Modi was speaking during a session of the G20 Summit on “Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty”.

“Countries of the Global South are adversely affected by the food, fuel and fertiliser crisis caused by global conflicts. Our discussions can only be successful when we keep in mind the challenges and priorities of the Global South,” said Modi.

The PM said people-centric decisions taken at the G20 Summit in New Delhi have been taken forward during Brazil’s Presidency. “We (the Delhi Summit) focused on inclusive development, women-led development and youth power. And gave wings to the hopes and aspirations of the Global South,” Modi said.

Giving the example of India, Modi said: “Over the past 10 years, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Over 800 million people are being given food grains free of cost. Another 550 million people are benefiting from the world’s biggest health insurance scheme”.

On women empowerment, Modi said, 300 million women micro entrepreneurs had been linked to banks and given access to credit.

Earlier, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil received the heads of government, including PM Modi, for the two-day (November 18-19) meet. For G20, the priority agenda is focused on three fundamental pillars - combating hunger and poverty, sustainable development and reforming global governance.

Modi is scheduled to hold multiple bilateral meetings with global leaders. Sources said there were at least five slots earmarked for bilateral meetings in the PM’s schedule over two days. Modi’s bilateral meetings are expected with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Modi and US President Joe Biden met briefly today. Modi posted a picture of himself with Biden on X saying “With Joe Biden at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Always a delight to meet him.”

Prime Minister Modi is on the second leg of his three-nation visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana. PM Modi reached the South American country after wrapping up a “productive” visit to Nigeria, where he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Earlier, announcing Modi’s arrival in Brazil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the G20 Brazil Summit.” It also shared pictures of Modi’s welcome at the airport.

Announcing his arrival, PM Modi said in a post on his official X handle, “Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take part in the G20 Summit. I look forward to the summit deliberations and fruitful talks with various world leaders.”