Presidency of G20 a new responsibility for India: Modi

The Prime Minister unveiled the logo, theme and website of the G20 Presidency of India. Addressing the gathering, he said that from 1 December 2022, India will preside over the G-20 summit. “This is a historic occasion for the country. The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, representing approximately 85% of global GDP, over 75% of worldwide trade, and approximately two-thirds of the world’s population.

The Prime Minister said that the G20 logo is not just any logo. “It is a message, a feeling that runs in India’s veins. It is a resolution that is pervading our thoughts through ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.”

“The lotus in the logo symbolizes India’s ancient heritage, belief and thought. The philosophy of Advaita emphasizes the unity of all beings and this philosophy will be the means of resolving today’s conflicts. The logo and theme represent several major messages from India. Buddha’s message for freedom from war, Mahatma Gandhi’s solution in the face of violence, through G-20, India is giving them a new height,” PM Modi said.

He said that the G20 President of India is coming at a time of crisis and chaos. “The world is dealing with the devastating effects of a once-in-a-century global pandemic, conflicts and a lot of economic uncertainty. Even though the world is in deep trouble, we can still make progress to make it a better place.”

The Prime Minister said that this summit is not just a diplomatic meeting. India takes this as a new responsibility and trust of the world. He said, “There is an unprecedented eagerness to know and understand India in the world today. The country is being studied in a new light. Our current successes are being assessed and unprecedented hopes are being expressed about our future. In such an environment, it becomes the responsibility of the citizens to go beyond these expectations and make the world aware of India’s capabilities, philosophy, social and intellectual power.

PM Modi further said that India has a journey of thousands of years to reach this point today. “We have also witnessed high levels of prosperity and the darkest phase in global history. India has arrived here with a history of many invaders and their atrocities. Those experiences are the biggest force in India’s development journey today.”

He said that India is such a rich and vibrant democracy of the world. “Democracy, diversity, indigenous perspectives, inclusive thinking, local lifestyles and global ideas, the world today sees solutions to all its challenges in these ideas.”

The Prime Minister said that we have to make sustainable development a part of individual life rather than just a system of governments. “The environment is a global cause as well as a personal responsibility for us.”

“Many achievements of India can be used by other countries of the world. The use of digital technology in growth, inclusion, eradicating corruption, ease of doing business and ease of life, can be the template for many countries,” PM Modi said.

He further said that the world is looking with hope towards collective leadership, be it G7, G77 or UNGA. “India on the one hand maintains close ties with developed countries, and at the same time understands and expresses the views of developing countries very well. On this basis, we along with all those friends of the ‘Global South’ join our G-20 Will prepare the blueprint for the Presidency, which has been India’s co-travellers on the path of development for decades.”

The Prime Minister said that the G20 is not just a central government event. “State governments as well as political parties should actively participate in this effort. Programs related to G20 will not be limited to Delhi or some places, but there will be programs in every nook and corner of the country.