NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, calling for global alliance during the session themed on “Global Alliance against hunger and poverty“.
“We support Brazil’s initiative for a ‘Global Alliance against hunger and poverty’. This is an important step towards the implementation of the Deccan High level principles for Food security, adopted at the New Delhi Summit,” said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister emphasised the severe impact of food, fuel, and fertilizer shortages on developing countries, particularly in the context of ongoing global conflicts, urging the G20 to prioritize these concerns. “Countries of the Global south are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel and fertilizer crisis caused by global conflicts. So our discussions can only be successful when we keep in mind the challenges and priorities of the Global south. And just as we amplified the voice of the Global south by granting permanent membership of G20 to the African Union during the New Delhi Summit, we will reform institutions of global governance,” he said.
PM Modi also expressed gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for hosting the summit and praised Brazil’s focus on the United Nations‘ Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that this approach addresses the concerns of developing nations and builds upon decisions made at the recent G20 Summit in New Delhi, India. The PM emphasised that the theme of India’s G20 presidency, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” continues to be relevant in Rio.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s efforts to combat hunger and poverty. “Over the last 10 years we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. Over 800 million people are being given food grains free of cost. 550 million people are benefiting from the world’s biggest health insurance scheme. Now, 60 million senior citizens, over the age of 70, will also be able to benefit from free health insurance,” he said.
“Under the world’s largest crop insurance scheme, over 40 million farmers have received benefits worth 20 billion US dollars. Under the farmers scheme, assistance worth over 40 billion dollars has been given to 110 million farmers. Institutional credit worth 300 billion US dollars is being given to farmers. India is not only ensuring food security but also focusing on nutrition,” he added.
He also highlighted India’s transformative initiatives in addressing hunger and ensuring social welfare. “India is providing free ration to 800 million people, strengthening our fight against hunger. Simultaneously, we are ensuring access to top-quality and affordable healthcare for the poor and elderly. We are taking decisive steps to boost financial self-reliance among women and ensure food and nutritional security for all,” he said.
PM Modi also underlined the nation’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in agriculture. “India believes in the approaches of ‘Back to Basics’ and ‘March to Future.’ This is why we are emphasising organic farming, popularising millets—Shree Anna—and encouraging climate-resilient crop varieties,” he stated, reflecting India’s agenda of promoting sustainable practices and food security on a global stage.
The G20 summit in Brazil is significant as India continues to play a key role as part of the G20 Troika, which also includes Brazil and South Africa. Following India’s successful G20 presidency last year, which elevated the forum to a “people’s G20” by prioritising the Global South’s interests, Brazil is expected to build on this momentum, focusing on similar themes.
PM Modi arrived in Brazil early Monday amid a cheerful welcome with Sanskrit chants by disciples of Acharya Jonas Massetti, also known as Acharya Vishwanath, who leads an organisation dedicated to promoting Sanskrit and Vedic practices.