SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR, Minister for External Affairs of India, acknowledged the “exceptional period of turmoil” that the world is currently witnessing and referred to the structural inequities and uneven development, especially in the Global South, which have been exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts.  “Resources for sustainable development are severely challenged”, he said, stressing that “navigating the future appears even more daunting”.  Highlighting India's presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and its vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, he noted that the New Delhi G20 Leaders’ Declaration reflects the intent to “bridge divides, dismantle barriers, and sow seeds of collaboration”, as was emphasized by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Regarding the G20 presidency, he underlined India’s initiative to convene the Voice of the Global South Summit, allowing 125 nations to express their concerns and place them on the G20 agenda.  He also noted the admission of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 — at India’s initiative — emphasizing the importance of broad representation.  The outcomes of the New Delhi G20 Summit, he continued, will resonate for years, including through the Action Plan on Accelerating Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals and the significance of Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE) and the Green Development Pact for a Sustainable Future. Emphasizing India’s willingness to cooperate with diverse partners, such as the Quad in the Indo-Pacific, the expansion of the BRICS (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa) grouping, and the creation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, he stated that “this willingness to work in an open-minded manner on specific domains is a defining characteristic of the emerging multipolar order”.

Turning to India’s aspiration to be a “leading power”, he said that his country is guided by a desire “to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions”, pointing to its development partnerships with 78 nations and significant support provided to several countries, including in emergency situations.  Referencing India’s significant progress in poverty reduction and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, he noted its innovative use of digital technology in public service delivery, emphasizing that technology has opened up opportunities and inspired innovation.  He further called for a fair, equitable and democratic international order, expressing concern over issues like vaccine apartheid, climate action and the misuse of market power.  Looking ahead to next year’s Summit of the Future, he emphasized the need “to champion fairness and reform multilateralism, including Security Council expansion”.