Johannesburg, South Africa – Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the opening session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg today, proposing three significant initiatives centered on healthcare, knowledge sharing, and combating drug trafficking. This marks the first time the G20 Summit is being held on African soil.

Modi's proposals aim to redefine global development and cooperation, emphasizing multilateralism and addressing global challenges. He conveyed India's perspective, aligning it with the vision of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and "One Earth, One Family, One Future".

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation, advancing development priorities, and ensuring a better future for all.

The three key initiatives proposed by PM Modi are:

• Global Healthcare Focus: Recognizing the importance of resilient healthcare systems, Modi called for increased collaboration in research, development, and equitable distribution of medical resources. He emphasized the need to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and build stronger global health infrastructure.
• Traditional Knowledge Repository: Acknowledging the value of traditional knowledge, particularly in medicine and sustainable practices, Modi proposed creating a global repository to document and share this knowledge. This initiative aims to promote the use of traditional wisdom for addressing contemporary challenges.
• War on Drugs: Modi called for a concerted global effort to dismantle the drug-terror nexus. He emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation to combat drug trafficking and its links to terrorism.

In addition to these proposals, PM Modi is expected to discuss issues pertinent to India and the Global South during the summit. India has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of the African Union in the G20, a move that was recently realized.

On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss ways to strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The G20 Summit's core objectives include coordinating macroeconomic policies among major economies, preventing and responding to global financial crises, and promoting sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.

The summit in Johannesburg is particularly significant as it is the first to be held in Africa, underscoring the continent's growing influence in global affairs. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including climate action, debt relief, and access to critical minerals.