NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his address at the opening session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg to unveil three major proposals centred on healthcare, traditional knowledge and a global campaign against drug trafficking. Speaking at the first session, which focused on inclusive and sustainable growth, he wrote on X that “NOW is the right moment for us to revisit our development parameters and focus on growth that is inclusive and sustainable,” adding that India’s civilisational values, particularly the principle of Integral Humanism, “offers a way forward.”PM Modi said he had put forward “a few actionables to realise our dream of all-round growth,” beginning with the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository. He noted that India “has a rich history in this regard,” saying that such a platform would allow member nations to share inherited knowledge systems that support “good health and wellbeing.” He also highlighted Africa’s growing role in global governance, stressing, “Africa’s progress is vital for global progress,” and expressed pride that the African Union was made a permanent G20 member during India’s presidency. Taking this forward, he proposed a G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative aimed at producing one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade.On global health, PM Modi called for a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team to help countries respond quickly to emergencies. “We are stronger when we work together in the face of health emergencies and natural disasters,” he wrote, urging the creation of multinational teams of trained medical experts ready for rapid deployment.He also pushed for coordinated action against drug trafficking, warning of the spread of “extremely dangerous substances like fentanyl.” India, he said, was proposing a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus, declaring, “Let us weaken the wretched drug-terror economy!”PM Modi’s message came as he began a packed schedule in Johannesburg, where he received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora with cultural performances showcasing folk traditions from 11 Indian states. His visit also included meetings with tech entrepreneurs and winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye quiz, which he said “truly strengthens our diaspora’s connect with India.” He described a performance of the South African Girmitiya song Ganga Maiya—sung in both Bhojpuri and Tamil—as a “joyful and emotional experience,” saying it reflected the enduring cultural bond shared by the community.Ahead of the summit deliberations, PM Modi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to review cooperation in sectors including defence, nuclear energy, trade and education.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosManipur Sangai Festival 2025- ThemeSangai Festival 2025 Opening CeremonyEx-VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Breaks Silence, Calls Out Narrative Traps With Cryptic Reference To His Past’This Is How Democracy Should Work’: Shashi Tharoor’s Truth Bomb on Cong After Trump-Mamdani MeetingChina Used India-Pak Hostilities For Real-World Weapon Tests And Global Arms Sales, Says US ReportRSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Warns Civilisations Will Fade But Hindus Endure While Calling For UnityIndia Urges Stronger Global Action At UN As Navy’s 520 Rescues Spotlight Arabian Sea InstabilityAt Indo-Pacific Forum, Pakistan Claims India Endangering Peace With War Rhetoric, IWT SuspensionBravery In The Sky: The Story Of Namansh Syal, Tejas Pilot Who Died During The Dubai Airshow DisplayAustralian PM Condoles Red Fort Attack, Saudi Bus Tragedy As He Meets PM Modi During G20 Summit123Photostories5 Signs your child may be struggling with depression and how you can helpMumbai’s Rs 100-Crore Footpath Revamp: What’s Changing on Key RoadsThe must-have vaccines every child needs: What parents shouldn’t skip9 gorgeous white animals that reflect nature’s elegance9 regional chicken dishes from across IndiaActor who lost 10 films overnight after a set accident with Amitabh Bachchan, went jobless for 6 years, is now…How Bengaluru’s Vande Bharat Sleeper Rake Aims to Transform Long-Distance TravelSmriti Mandhana’s relationship timeline: From the meet-cute to the grand proposalAlia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s top 5 parenting tipsHow Maharashtra’s upcoming pod taxis aim to fix daily commuter pain123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingPortland Trail Blazers vs Golden State WarriorsSavannah JamesMiami Heat vs Chicago BullsSophie CunninghamHow to get Vecna Skin in FortniteAdam FootePM ModiLebron JamesNBA CupCade Cunningham
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his address at the opening session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg to unveil three major proposals centred on healthcare, traditional knowledge and a global campaign against drug trafficking. Speaking at the first session, which focused on inclusive and sustainable growth, he wrote on X that “NOW is the right moment for us to revisit our development parameters and focus on growth that is inclusive and sustainable,” adding that India’s civilisational values, particularly the principle of Integral Humanism, “offers a way forward.”PM Modi said he had put forward “a few actionables to realise our dream of all-round growth,” beginning with the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository. He noted that India “has a rich history in this regard,” saying that such a platform would allow member nations to share inherited knowledge systems that support “good health and wellbeing.” He also highlighted Africa’s growing role in global governance, stressing, “Africa’s progress is vital for global progress,” and expressed pride that the African Union was made a permanent G20 member during India’s presidency. Taking this forward, he proposed a G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative aimed at producing one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade.
On global health, PM Modi called for a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team to help countries respond quickly to emergencies. “We are stronger when we work together in the face of health emergencies and natural disasters,” he wrote, urging the creation of multinational teams of trained medical experts ready for rapid deployment.
He also pushed for coordinated action against drug trafficking, warning of the spread of “extremely dangerous substances like fentanyl.” India, he said, was proposing a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus, declaring, “Let us weaken the wretched drug-terror economy!”
PM Modi’s message came as he began a packed schedule in Johannesburg, where he received a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora with cultural performances showcasing folk traditions from 11 Indian states. His visit also included meetings with tech entrepreneurs and winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye quiz, which he said “truly strengthens our diaspora’s connect with India.” He described a performance of the South African Girmitiya song Ganga Maiya—sung in both Bhojpuri and Tamil—as a “joyful and emotional experience,” saying it reflected the enduring cultural bond shared by the community.Ahead of the summit deliberations, PM Modi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to review cooperation in sectors including defence, nuclear energy, trade and education.
