Vienna: Terming India’s G20 chairmanship as a “huge deal”, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said the country has taken up the responsibility of hosting the meetings of the powerful grouping at a time when there is immense economic pressure on global supply chains and strong political There is pressure. polarization in the world. India formally assumed the chairmanship of the G20 on 1 December. The next G20 Leaders’ Summit at the level of Heads of State/Government is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 9 and 10 September. Addressing the Indian diaspora in the Austrian capital here on Sunday, Jaishankar said India intends to use its chairmanship for the benefit of the international community.
“I get the question sometimes, can you imagine from which side, saying, anyway, it had to come your way. So, what’s the big deal? It’s a huge deal. Because our In diplomatic history, we have never had so many powerful nations, the world’s top 20 economies, which today account for the bulk of global GDP, to dominate world trade, their leaders come to India,” he said. Said.
“More than what’s coming, when is it? Because it’s a difficult time. The world is under enormous economic strain on supply chains. There’s very strong political polarization, even with all the major countries around the table Even getting to sit.” You need a lot for yourself. So, for us to be taking on this responsibility at this time is truly extraordinary.”
Jaishankar, who arrived in Austria from Cyprus on the second leg of his two-nation tour, said India would be the “voice of fairness and justice”.
It was a pleasure to interact with the thriving Indian community in Vienna today.
Appreciate the cultural performance that underlines how strong a connection we have with our motherland. The image of the Indian community has done much to create goodwill between India and Austria. pic.twitter.com/bNA3dECW3f
– Dr. S Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 1, 2023
He said the country will ensure that it emerges as a voice for those societies and countries that would otherwise be left behind and have no one else to speak for them.
“We will take this as an opportunity to present India and all the changes that I have tried to tell people. This is not the G20 presidency in general. This is not something that is being done just in the capital city Or even in two or three metros, we are taking it to more than 55 cities across the country.
“We are going to make sure that the diversity of every region, every culture, every local cuisine and local products is displayed to the world,” he said.
Jaishankar said that thousands of officials and leaders will come to India to get an opportunity to see every corner of the country.
“So, in a sense, I would say you can think of this as marketing India to the world,” he said in his lengthy address to the Indian community.