It's Time We Become Voice Of Global South: Jaishankar As India Assumes G20 Presidency

On Thursday, India assumed the G20 Presidency during which 300 meetings will be hosted at 32 different sectors at various locations across the country. 

New Delhi: As India assumed G20 Presidency from today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reposed faith in India being the voice of the global south. He said that countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America trust India to speak up for them, reported news agency ANI. 

Speaking at G20 University Connect here, Jaishankar said, “It's time when we must become the voice of the global south, which is otherwise under-represented in such forums. Countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America trust India to speak up for them. We've of late been at forefront of expressing their concerns on fuel, food, fertilisers.”

The Union Minister noted that the G20 Presidency is a good opportunity for India to share stories of the country with others. 

“There are very good reasons why today the world is taking a much deeper interest in us. The G20 presidency offers an opportunity to share our story with others, particularly those who may transpose some of our experiences on their performance or challenges,” he said. 

During his speech, Jaishankar highlighted that it is important to “focus on right issues”. “G20 is the premier grouping devoted to addressing financial, economic and development challenges of the world. In these difficult times, it is important that world leaders focus on right issues that especially affect the more vulnerable sections of the world.” 

However, the Union minister also shared apprehension that “sustainable development, climate action and climate justice could be sidetracked due to more dominant issues.” 

“As the mother of democracy, India's G20 presidency will be consultative, collaborative & decisive. We must also recognise that global order today isn't truly reflective of the state of the world. Institutions and practices created 75 years ago still dominate global decision-making.” 

“A representative and democratic international order must press for change, not just in the United Nations but in other international institutions as well,” he added. 

On Thursday, India assumed the G20 Presidency during which 300 meetings will be hosted at 32 different sectors at various locations across the country. 

The G-20 Summit to be held next year in September in Delhi would be one of the highest-profile international gatherings to be hosted by India, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).