Modi calls for removal of the trust deficit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the leaders of the G20 grouping to overcome the current ‘trust deficit’ and collectively find ‘concrete’ solutions to turbulent global economy, terrorism and management of food, fuel, and fertilisers. In his opening remarks at the summit, the PM said “As the president of the G20, India invites ‘entire world to come together and, first and foremost, transform this global trust deficit into global trust and confidence’.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s presidency ofthe bloc has become a symbol of ‘inclusion’, both within the country and beyond. “After the Covid-induced pandemic, a huge crisis oflack of trust has cropped up in the world. Conflict has deepened this trust deficit. Just as we can overcome Covid, we can also overcome this crisis ofmutual trust,” Modi said, adding, “This is a time for all ofus to walk together and the mantra of‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ can become a guiding light for all of us.”

Modi began his address by referring to a message that was inscribed on a pillar in Prakrit language. The meaning of the message, he said, is the “welfare and happiness ofhumanity should always be ensured. Two and a halfthousand years ago, the land of India gave this message to the entire world.”

“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,” Modi said. Stressing on the need for all to walk together, Modi said, “Whether it is a turbulent global economy, the North-South divide, the distance between East and West, management offood, fuel and fertilizers, dealing with terrorism and cybersecurity or ensuring health, energy and water security, this is a time for all ofus to walk together.”

“We must move towards concrete solutions for these challenges, not just for the present but also for future generations,” he added.       

The Prime Minister said India's G20 presidency has become a ‘People’s G20’ as millions ofIndians 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 G20. I believe that we all agree on this proposal,” he said.

The PM made the comments in presence ofUS President Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British PM Rishi Sunak, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and others.