Addressing the G20 Session on ‘Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty, the Indian head of government noted that the countries of the Global South are the most affected by the food, fuel and fertilizer crises caused by global conflicts.

And just as we amplified their voice by granting the African Union permanent membership of the G20 during New Delhi Summit, we will reform the institutions of global governance, he said.

Modi said that the people-centered decisions taken at the 2023 meeting in his country made progress during Brazil’s current presidency and expressed great satisfaction that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets were given priority.

He recalled that under the Indian presidency of the bloc, the discussions focused on inclusive development, women-led progress and youth empowerment.

The Prime Minister shared experiences of the South Asian nation in the fight against hunger and poverty, such as the delivery of free cereals to more than 800 million people, the health plan for 550 million nationals and free health insurance for 60 million senior citizens over 70 years of age.

In the last 10 years we have lifted 250 million people out of poverty, we are currently providing credit to more than 300 million women micro-entrepreneurs and more than 40 million farmers are receiving benefits worth US$ 20 billion, he said. Modi mentioned the Saksham Anganwadi campaign and 2.0 Nutrition, which is an integrated nutritional support program for pregnant women, newborns, children under 6 years old and adolescent girls.

Moreover, he pointed out that India also contributes to the food security of other nations with assistance programs, for example, for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

He stressed that the main reason for the South Asian country’s success is its approach of going back to basics and moving into the future.

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