Development in the global south was impacted by “geopolitical tensions” and the COVID-19 pandemic, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Inaugurating the G20 Development Ministers’ meeting in Varanasi, PM Modi called for “inclusive and fair” attempts to achieve global developmental goals and said India is following a “women-led” development model. Speaking on the occasion, External Affairs Minister highlighted the requirement to deal with supply chain disruptions and reminded the developed economies that “cherry-picking” is not an effective approach to deal with collective challenges.
“Development is a core isssue for the Global South. The countries of Global South were severely impacted by the disruptions created by the Global Covid pandemic. And, the food, fuel and fertiliser crises because of geo-political tensions have delivered another blow. We must ensure that no one is left behind,” said Prime Minister Modi in a video message that was played at the beginning of the event. India, the current Chair of the G20 is hosting the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi with a focus on supply chain disruptions, food and energy security challenges, climate change and post-pandemic recovery. In his speech, PM Modi did not make a clear mention of the Ukraine crisis that has featured prominently in all the G20-related events that India has hosted so far.
