In his virtual address at the second Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS), Indian PM Narendra Modi condemned civilian deaths in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
During the summit, Modi emphasised the importance of the Global South and said that the region was getting a voice because of the joint efforts of all countries.
Call for Restraint in Israel-Hamas Conflict
In his address, Modi said the world was witnessing new challenges emerging from events in the Middle East.
Delivering my opening remarks at the Voice of the Global South Summit.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2023
https://t.co/q0IJ7nEpUx
Commenting on the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Indian PM remarked that India has condemned the heinous terrorist attack in Israel on 7 October, and emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy along with restraint in the ongoing conflict.
He said, “We strongly condemn the deaths of civilians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.”
Modi also mentioned that India has sent humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine after his talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
“It is time that the countries of the Global South speak with one voice for the greater global good,” the Indian leader asserted.
Countries of Global South Have Same Interests
The Indian PM said, “Voice of Global South is the most unique platform of the changing world of the 21st century.”
Modi added that while geographically, the Global South has always been there, it is getting a voice like this for the first time due to the concerted efforts of all.
“We are more than 100 different countries, but we have the same interests, we have the same priorities,” he added.
Furthermore, the Indian PM suggested that for “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” all countries should move forward together with 5-Cs — Consultation, Cooperation, Communication, Creativity, and Capacity building.
Launch of Global South Centre of Excellence
At the summit, Modi inaugurated DAKSHIN — Development And Knowledge Sharing Initiative — the Global South Center of Excellence.
The DAKSHIN Centre, proposed by the Indian PM during the first VOGSS, will undertake research on developmental problems being faced by the Global South and find practical solutions to these challenges.
Global South in Focus During G20 Presidency
In his address, the Indian PM highlighted India’s efforts to amplify the voices of the countries of the Global South during its G20 presidency, which also made it possible for the African Union to get permanent membership of the G20 at the New Delhi Summit.
He added that at the G20 Summit, members agreed to provide finance and technology for climate transition on easy terms to the countries of the Global South.
PM @narendramodi led the Inaugural Leaders’ Session of 2nd #VoiceOfGlobalSouth Summit
— DD News (@DDNewslive) November 17, 2023
PM Modi highlighted India‘s efforts in galvanising concrete G20 actions for Global South during #G20India. pic.twitter.com/SBDlMdrsaG
Modi mentioned the global biofuel alliance launched at the G20 Summit and the G20 working group formed for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilient Infrastructure.
Additionally, the Indian leader said that G20’s new initiative to research superfood millets will enable the Global South to address food security concerns arising from climate change and resource scarcity.
Voice of the Global South Summit
The first VOGSS was held virtually from 12-13 January and saw the participation of 125 countries.
The second VOGSS is taking place virtually as well, and will be structured into ten sessions. The inaugural and concluding sessions will occur at the Head of State/Government level and will be hosted by PM Modi.
The theme of the inaugural leaders’ session is “Together, for Everyone’s Growth, with Everyone’s Trust,” and that of the concluding leaders’ session is “Global South: Together for One Future.”