India
‘Keep in mind the challenges and priorities of the Global South’: PM Modi calls for a global alliance to tackle poverty at the G20 | India News – Times of India
“We support Brazil’s initiative for a ‘Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty’. This is an important step towards implementing the high-level Deccan principles for Food securityadopted at the New Delhi Summit,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the serious impact of food, fuel and fertilizer shortages on developing countries, especially in the context of ongoing global conflicts, and urged the G20 to prioritize these concerns. “Countries of the Global South are hardest hit by the food, fuel and fertilizer crisis caused by global conflicts. Our discussions can therefore only be successful if we keep the challenges and priorities of the South in mind. And just as we amplified the voice of the Global South by granting permanent G20 membership to the African Union at the New Delhi Summit, we will reform the institutions of global governance,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his gratitude to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for organizing the summit and praised Brazil’s focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that this approach responds to the concerns of developing countries and builds on decisions taken at the recent G20 Summit in New Delhi, India. The Prime Minister emphasized that the theme of the Indian G20 Presidency, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, remains relevant in Rio.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s efforts to combat hunger and poverty. “Over the past ten years, we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty. More than 800 million people have received free food grains. 550 million people benefit from the world’s largest health insurance system. Now over 60 million seniors aged 70 will also benefit from free health insurance,” he said.
“Under the world’s largest crop insurance program, more than 40 million farmers have received benefits worth $20 billion. Under the farmers program, aid worth more than $40 billion has been given to 110 million farmers. Institutional credit worth $300 billion is provided. given to farmers not only ensures food security but also focuses on nutrition,” he added.
He also highlighted India’s transformative initiatives in tackling hunger and ensuring social prosperity. “India provides free rations to 800 million people, strengthening our fight against hunger. At the same time, we ensure access to high-quality and affordable health care for the poor and the elderly. We are taking decisive steps to increase the financial self-reliance of women and the elderly. ensure food and nutrition security for all,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi also underlined the country’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 emphasizing on organic farming, popularizing millet (Shree Anna) and encouraging climate resilient crop varieties,” he said, reflecting India’s agenda for promoting sustainable practices and food security at the global level.
The G20 Summit in Brazil is of great importance 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 prioritizing the interests of the Global South, Brazil is expected to build on this momentum and focus on similar themes .
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Brazil early on Monday amid a cheerful welcome with Sanskrit chants by disciples of Acharya Jonas Massetti, also known as Acharya Vishwanath, who heads an organization dedicated to promoting Sanskrit and Vedic practices.
