New Delhi: Ahead of the beginning of the first session of the G20 summit on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted world leaders at New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam. In his opening speech, PM Modi stressed the importance of global cooperation to address critical issues with a human-centric approach.
“This is the time for all of us to move together. In this time, the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ can be the torch bearer for us,” he said.
PM Modi underlined the significance of finding well grounded solutions to challenges such as divides between the North and South, East-West disparities, food and fuel management, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy, and water security for future generations. He added that it was important for the coming generations.
India urged the world to shift from a trust deficit to mutual confidence.
Under India’s G20 presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member, with Azali Assoumani, Head of the African Union, joining the summit.
‘India’ to ‘Bharat’
Notably, PM Modi’s name plate read ‘Bharat’ instead of India, during his opening speech. This move comes during the massive controversy triggered after the G20 dinner-invite by President Draupadi Murmu, where her title read ‘President of Bharat’ instead of ‘President of India’.
It has been reported that the UN will change India’s name to Bharat in its records after the Centre concludes all its formalities for the same.
World Leaders arrive at the summit
The first to arrive at the summit were UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also arrived the same day.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived on Saturday morning to attend the summit.
All the world leaders were given a traditional welcome at the airport.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed the Brazilian President, recalling their recent meeting in Johannesburg. Brazil will take over the next G20 presidency after India’s tenure.
