English translation of Prime Minister’s opening remarks at the G20 Summit

Newdelhi:09 September23

Your Highnesses,
Excellencies,
Namaskar!

Before starting the formal proceedings, on behalf of all of us, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the people affected by the earthquake that occurred in Morocco a moment ago. We pray that all the injured people get well soon. The entire world community is with Morocco in this difficult time, and we are ready to provide them all possible assistance.

Your Highnesses,
Excellencies,

As the President of the G-20, India extends a warm welcome to all of you.

At the place where we are gathered today, just a few kilometers away from here, stands a pillar that is nearly two and a half thousand years old. Inscribed on this pillar in the Prakrit language are the words:

‘हेवम लोकसा हितमुखे ति,
अथ इयम नातिसु हेवम’

Meaning,

‘The welfare and happiness of humanity should always be ensured.’
Two and a half thousand years ago, the land of India gave this message to the entire world.

Let us begin this G-20 Summit by remembering this message.

The 21st century is a time that has the potential to give a new direction to the entire world. It’s a time when years old challenges demand new solutions from us. Therefore, we must move forward by fulfilling all our responsibilities with a human-centric approach.

Friends,

After Covid-19, a huge crisis of lack of trust has come in the world. Conflict has deepened this trust deficit.

Just as we can overcome COVID, we can also overcome this crisis of mutual trust.

Today, as the President of the G-20, India invites the entire world to come together and, first and foremost, transform this Global Trust Deficit into global trust and confidence.

This is a time for all of us to walk together, and the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ can become a guiding light for all of us.

Whether it is a turbulent global economy,
or the North-South divide,
or the distance between East and West,
Management of Food, Fuel, and Fertilizer,
Or dealing with Terrorism and Cybersecurity,
Or ensuring Health, Energy, and Water Security,

We must move towards concrete solutions for these challenges, not just for the present but also for future generations,

Friends,

India’s G-20 presidency has become a symbol of inclusion, both within the country and beyond, representing the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’.

It has become a ‘People’s G-20’. Millions of Indians have engaged with it.

Over 200 meetings have been held in more than 60 cities across the country.

It was in the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath’ that India proposed permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20. I believe that we all agree on this proposal.

With your consent, before we proceed with further proceedings, I invite the Chairperson of the African Union to take their place as a permanent member of the G-20.

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s Press Statement. Original Press statements were delivered in Hindi.