Johannesburg | Nov, 23: During the IBSA Leaders’ Meeting at the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for global unity against terrorism, advocating for institutionalized meetings at the National Security Advisor (NSA) level. He highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to combat terrorism, asserting that there should be no double standards on such critical issues. Modi noted that the IBSA forum, which connects three continents and major economies, serves as a vital platform for promoting cooperation and shared values.
Modi described the meeting as historic and timely, coinciding with the first G20 Summit held in Africa and the culmination of leadership by Global South countries over the past three years. He called for the strengthening of initiatives focused on human-centric development, multilateral reform, and sustainable growth, urging IBSA to present a unified stance on the need for reform in global institutions, particularly the UN Security Council.
He proposed the establishment of an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance to enhance collaboration in emerging technologies, including Digital Public Infrastructure and Artificial Intelligence. This initiative aims to accelerate digital economies and create scalable solutions for the Global South. Additionally, Modi suggested the creation of an IBSA Fund for Climate-Resilient Agriculture to support sustainable growth and welfare.
Highlighting the achievements of the IBSA Fund, which has implemented 50 projects across 40 countries in areas such as education, health, and women’s empowerment, Modi reiterated the potential of IBSA to contribute to global welfare through initiatives in millet promotion, natural farming, and green energy. He concluded by asserting that in a fragmented world, IBSA can exemplify unity, cooperation, and humanity, reinforcing the responsibility of the three democratic nations to work together.
