New Delhi. The Group of Seven (G-7) summit held in Apulia, Italy on Friday further strengthened India’s image as a leader of the Global South at the start of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third consecutive term. After giving strength to the voice of the Global South over the last decade, especially during India’s G-20 presidency, PM Modi once again chose a major global platform to highlight the concerns of developing countries during his first foreign visit after assuming office earlier this week.
In his address at the outreach session of the G-7 summit, Prime Minister Modi said, “The countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of global uncertainties and tensions. India has considered it its responsibility to put forward the priorities and concerns of the countries of the Global South on the world stage.” With India firmly establishing itself as Africa’s best friend during his tenure, PM Modi also emphasized India’s commitment to the continent.
He assured the world leaders gathered at the G-7 event, “We have given high priority to Africa in these efforts. We are proud that the G-20 under India’s presidency made the African Union a permanent member. India has been contributing to all African countries in the economic and social development, stability and security of all African people and will continue to do so.”
Hours after his meeting with PM Modi on Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supported the Indian Prime Minister’s efforts to advance the voice of emerging countries and the Global South at international forums at Borgo Egnazia.
“The G-7 is not an exclusive club. That is why here in Apulia we continued what we started in Elmau and talked to many representatives of the Global South. This must continue in the future. Because we want a partnership that benefits everyone,” Scholz posted on X along with a photo of himself engaged in an animated discussion with PM Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during the G7 event on Friday.
Even as he aims to build a ‘developed India’ by 2047, PM Modi has made it clear that India’s efforts to further cooperation with the Global South will gain further momentum during his third term.
The presence of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohammed Muizzo, Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afeef, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during the PM’s swearing-in ceremony sent a strong message that India will always remain committed to the interests of the Global South and developing countries.
After the PM’s talks with these leaders at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “PM Modi called for deeper people-to-people ties and connectivity in the region. He further said that India will continue to amplify the voice of the Global South in the international arena.” Earlier too, leaders of developing countries from different continents have expressed confidence in PM Modi’s leadership and when there is tension between many countries of the world, world leaders have counted India as a reliable partner.
Last year, when he visited Port Moresby to jointly host the third summit of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation with his Papua New Guinea counterpart James Marape, leaders of small island nations called on PM Modi to more forcefully raise issues of concern to the region.
Then Marape said in his address, “You are the voice that can take our issues to the top level, as countries with advanced economies discuss matters related to economy, commerce, trade and geopolitics. We want you to be an advocate for us. As you sit in those meetings and keep fighting for the rights of small emerging countries and emerging economies.” At the same time, the leaders of many African and Caribbean countries also consider Prime Minister Modi as their representative and flag bearer on the global stage.
Tags: G7 meeting, Japan, Narendra Modi
FIRST PUBLISHED : June 15, 2024, 21:52 IST