As India assumed the presidency of G-20, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, on Thursday, underlined that India must become the voice of the Global South expressing their concerns on fuel, food, and fertilisers.
He shared the apprehension that issues like sustainable development, climate action, and climate justice could be sidetracked due to more dominant issues.
Speaking at the University Connect Programme in New Delhi, Jaishankar said India’s G-20 presidency was taking place at a very critical moment in international affairs. It was particularly vital that world leaders focus on the right issues, especially those which affected the more vulnerable sections of the world, he added.
During India’s G-20 presidency, the spotlight would be on LiFE (‘Lifestyle for the Environment) with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices at the level of individual lifestyles as well as national development. He also said that as the mother of democracy, India’s G-20 presidency would be consultative, collaborative, and decisive.
On the occasion, India’s G-20 Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that Indians have a unique opportunity during the G-20 presidency and a profound responsibility to showcase their rich cultural heritage and diversity, tourism potential and development prowess.
India’s G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said as the head of G-20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be setting the agenda of the world. He termed India’s presidency of the grouping as a historic moment, saying it was a big responsibility as the G-20 accounted for 85 per cent of the global GDP and two-thirds of the world population.
Kant also said that under the PM’s leadership, G-20 become action-oriented, inclusive, reform-oriented, and forward-looking.