Trade, climate take centre stage as PM arrives for G20

The G20 should focus on the challenges and priorities of the Global South, which have been most affected by the food, fuel and fertiliser crisis brought on by global conflicts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Modi's remarks, made during the first session of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro that focused on "Social inclusion and the fight against hunger and poverty", built on India's efforts to project itself as the voice of the Global South.

As part of a major push to improve food security around the world, Modi backed the initiative by Brazil, which is hosting the G20 Summit, for a "Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty". Modi arrived in Brazil late on Sunday after a visit to Nigeria.

"I would like to say that countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel and fertiliser crisis caused by global conflicts. So, our discussions can only be successful when we keep in mind the challenges and priorities of the Global South," Modi said.

"And just as we amplified the voice of the Global South by granting permanent membership of G20 to the African Union during the New Delhi Summit, we will reform institutions of global governance."