Ukraine Conflict Has Deepened Global Distrust: Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the global trust gap during the G-20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, shedding light on its escalation due to the Ukraine conflict.

"After Covid-19, trust deficit has been a big challenge for the world. War (Ukraine conflict) has exacerbated this trust deficit," Modi stated in his opening remarks at the G-20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi.

"But if we can defeat COVID, we can also beat this lack of mutual trust. Today, as the President of the G-20, India calls on the whole world to work together to turn this global trust deficit into belief and faith. The time is for us to walk together," the Indian leader added.

A Divided World

Modi's remarks appeared to hint at the profound differences between the Western bloc spearheaded by the US, and Russia and their allies regarding the Ukraine crisis.

Despite vocal criticism from the US and its NATO partners towards Russia for its actions in Ukraine, often portraying it as an unprovoked full-scale invasion, Moscow perceives the situation as a proxy war being waged against Russia by the West.

Interestingly, several independent military observers, including some from India, have supported Moscow's viewpoint, asserting that it was indeed a proxy war launched by the West to weaken Russia militarily, economically, and politically.

Given this context, Modi called for global unity, stating, "This is a time when age-old challenges are calling for new solutions from us. And therefore, with a human-centric approach, we have to move forward to fulfill our responsibilities."

Modi Formally Inducts African Union into G20

Apart from advocating unity among G20 leaders, Modi also officially welcomed the African Union (AU) into the influential and powerful economic forum.

During its presidency of the G20, India made it a priority to include the AU, a group that consists of 55 African countries. This initiative aimed to offer the continent a significant platform on the global stage.

Modi presented the proposal to existing G-20 members during the summit, which was unanimously accepted in Delhi.

Consequently, Modi extended a warm welcome to Azali Assoumani, the chairperson of the African Union (AU), ushering him into the G-20 community.

G-20 Summit in New Delhi

Modi Announces Inclusion of African Union to G-20 As Permanent Member

9 September 2023, 11:51

Experts on Why India Pushed For Africa's Admission

Two international affairs experts, prior to the summit, commended India's efforts to include the African Union in the EU.

Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador to Myanmar, explained the significance of India's push to expand the G-20 with African nations by stating, "It is a matter of justice. The world is one family, and Africa is an integral part of it. By admitting its principal regional body, the African Union or AU, the G-20 will demonstrate greater inclusivity," Bhatia shared his thoughts with Sputnik India on Thursday.

On the other hand, another geopolitical analyst, Major General (Retd) Shashi Bhushan Asthana supported the African Union's entry into the G-20 because the continent was completely neglected by other multilateral agencies like the United Nations.

"As of now if you see the representation of Africa, especially the poor nations of the continent they have no representation in global bodies. That's why, India wants to ensure that they have representation, they have a voice and have the decision-making authority to decide what is good or bad for them," Asthana concluded.

G-20 Summit in New Delhi

Modi Announces Inclusion of African Union to G-20 As Permanent Member

9 September 2023, 11:51