New Delhi : Time has unfolded. India’s strategic and geo-political positioning in the changing world
vis-a-vis ‘New India’ vision got a general endorsement at the global stage as the coveted
G-20 Presidency was formally handed over to India.
Indonesia on Wednesday, Nov 16, handed over the G20 presidency to India for the coming year at the
Bali Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi terming it a matter of pride for every Indian citizen.
“Over the next one year, we will strive to ensure that the G-20 acts as a global prime mover to envision new
ideas and accelerate collective action,” Mr Modi said at the closing ceremony of the Bali Summit.
The sense of ownership over natural resources is giving rise to conflict today, he said adding this
has become the main cause of the plight of the environment.
“For the safe future of the planet, the sense of trusteeship is the solution. LiFE i.e. ‘Lifestyle for Environment’
campaign can make a big contribution to this. Its purpose is to make sustainable lifestyles a mass movement,”the Prime Minister said.
A Bali Declaration was adopted at the Summit.
“…key outcomes in the outcome document reflect the priorities and vision of Prime Minister Modi,” Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a special briefing.
He said, India’s priorities such as the views of the Global South, sustainable lifestyles, climate financing,
nutritious food, multilateral reforms, global digital health, networks, digital networks, find mention in the
document.
“The consensus document going forward will be a positive development as we take over the presidency of the
G-20 on first of December,” the Foreign Secretary pointed out.
The much awaited G-20 Summit next year will be held on September 9 and 10.
The G-20 comprises – India, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union.
The Prime Minister also said, “We will organize G-20 meetings in different cities and states of our country.
Our guests will get full experience of India’s amazing diversity, inclusive traditions, and cultural richness.
We wish that all of you will participate in this unique celebration in India, the Mother of Democracy”, the Prime
Minister said.
“Together, we will make the G-20, a catalyst for global change,” he said.
Modi-Xi Jinping handshake:
During the visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings with a galaxy of global
leaders and heads of government.
With regard to the question relating to the ‘handshake’ between the Prime Minister and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Foreign Secretary said, “I will only say that Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping who were both attending the G-20 dinner hosted by the Indonesian President exchanged courtesies at the conclusion of the dinner”.
To a question on message to Russian President Vladimir Putin from the G-20 Summit, the Foreign Secretary
said, “I will only repeat what we have said multiple times on several occasions with regard to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, that a quick resolution of this conflict through dialogue and diplomacy is the best way forward for all parties involved”.
He pointed out that the conflict has “impacted” the economic dimensions of the developing countries.
