At Johannesburg G20, PM Modi Highlights India’s Civilisational Vision for Fair Global Growth; Proposes Major Health, Skills and Anti-Drug Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the opening session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, declared that India’s civilisational values provide a roadmap for achieving equitable and inclusive global progress.
His remarks — which drew notable applause — framed the summit as a pivotal opportunity for the world to rethink development priorities in a manner that benefits all.
Modi’s address — blending civilisational philosophy with actionable policy proposals — emerged as one of the standout moments of the summit’s opening day.
Modi emphasised that with Africa hosting the G20 leaders’ meeting for the first time, the global community must revisit conventional development indicators and adopt models that ensure both sustainability and fairness.
He arrived in Johannesburg on Friday evening to participate in the three-day gathering.
During his speech, the Prime Minister laid out several concrete proposals. Foremost was the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, drawing attention to India’s extensive heritage in traditional medicine, wellness practices, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Such a shared database, he argued, would safeguard ancient wisdom while strengthening global health capacities.
Reiterating India’s unwavering partnership with Africa, Modi stressed that the continent’s rise is central to global prosperity.
He highlighted that the African Union’s accession as a permanent G20 member during India’s presidency was a historic milestone.
Building on that momentum, he proposed a G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, aimed at preparing one million certified trainers across Africa over the next ten years.
Modi also urged the formation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team — a multinational pool of medical professionals who can be dispatched swiftly during pandemics, health crises, and natural disasters.
Such a collaborative unit, he said, would make the world more resilient and better prepared for future emergencies.
Turning to the escalating challenge of narcotics, particularly the spread of fentanyl, the Prime Minister called for a unified G20 Initiative to Counter the Drug–Terror Nexus.
He warned that the same illicit networks fueling drug trafficking also bankroll terrorism, and stressed the need to dismantle this “wretched economy” through coordinated financial, security, and regulatory action.
Participation at the Summit
Though G20 processes continue year-round, the leaders’ summit remains its centerpiece. According to South African officials quoted by Al Jazeera, 42 countries and organisations have confirmed attendance.
However, US President Donald Trump is absent, boycotting the event because South Africa allegedly “mistreats white people,” a claim widely disputed by experts and officials.
South Africa, which assumed the G20 presidency in December 2024, has anchored this year’s agenda in Africa-centric development challenges. Its top priorities include:
- Strengthening disaster preparedness and response,
- Ensuring debt sustainability for low-income nations,
- Mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and
- Harnessing critical minerals to support inclusive and sustainable growth.
