PM Modi Highlights Global South Partnership and Africa’s Importance at BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful speech at the BRICS Summit, emphasizing the significance of the Global South and Africa’s role within it. He stated that the Global South is not merely a diplomatic term, but a shared history marked by opposition to colonialism and apartheid.
Modi highlighted India’s efforts to mainstream the concerns of the Global South by inviting African and developing countries as guest countries in the G20. He even proposed granting permanent membership of the G-20 to the African Union. India’s commitment to supporting Africa in its development journey under Agenda 2063 was also reaffirmed.
The Prime Minister emphasized India’s close partnership with Africa, citing the opening of 16 new embassies in the continent. India now stands as Africa’s 4th largest trade partner and the 5th largest investor in the region. Modi called for cooperation to strengthen the multipolar world, promoting collaboration in areas such as counter-terrorism, environmental protection, cyber security, and energy security.
In order to foster greater international cooperation, Modi extended invitations to countries to join various initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, One Sun One World One Grid, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, One Earth One Health, Big Cat Alliance, and Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.
Regarding the expansion of BRICS, PM Modi announced the decision to expand the BRICS Forum, extending a warm welcome to all partner countries. He expressed gratitude to President Ramaphosa for providing the opportunity to engage with countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America at the BRICS Outreach Summit.
Modi highlighted India’s historical ties with African nations and its commitment to their capacity building and infrastructure development. He mentioned India’s involvement in power projects in Sudan, Burundi, and Rwanda, as well as sugar plants in Ethiopia and Malawi, among other initiatives.
The Prime Minister underlined the influence of Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings on non-violence and peaceful resistance during India’s struggle for freedom. He acknowledged how Gandhi’s ideas inspired great leaders like Nelson Mandela, paving the way for reshaping modern relations between India and Africa.
In addition to his speech, Modi held bilateral meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Senegal President Macky Sall on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s address highlighted the importance of the Global South and India’s commitment to partnering with Africa for mutual development and progress.
Keywords: PM Modi, Global South Partnership, Africa, BRICS Summit, diplomatic term, colonialism, apartheid, G20, African Union, development journey, Agenda 2063, trade partner, investor, multipolar world, cooperation, international initiatives, BRICS expansion, Mahatma Gandhi, non-violence, peaceful resistance, bilateral meetings.
