PM Modi welcomes hostage release deal

New Delhi, Nov 22: In a gathering of world leaders at the Virtual G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude in his Inaugural Statement, thanking attendees for accepting the invitation and highlighting the warm welcome extended by the 140 crore Indians. The summit convened to address pressing challenges that have arisen in recent months.

Addressing the critical issue of hostage situations, the Prime Minister welcomed the news of today's hostage release, expressing hope for the swift release of all hostages. He emphasized the imperative of ensuring the timely and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid.

The Prime Minister stated, "It is necessary to ensure that the war between Israel and Hamas does not take any regional form. Despite the clouds of crisis that we are seeing today, One Family has the power to work for peace. From the perspective of human welfare, we can raise our voice against terrorism and violence, and towards humanity. Today, India is ready to move step by step to fulfil this expectation of the world and humanity."

Expressing concern about the escalating insecurity and instability in the West Asia region, the Prime Minister reflected on the unforeseen global situation, saying, "When I proposed this virtual summit, there was no anticipation of what the global situation would be like today."

The G20 virtual summit serves as a symbolic testament to the collective sensitivity towards global issues and a shared commitment to resolve them. Leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism, emphasizing that the loss of civilian lives, wherever it occurs, is deplorable.

“New challenges have arisen in the last months. The situation of insecurity and instability in the West Asia region is a matter of concern for all of us." He emphasized that the collective coming together symbolizes sensitivity to all issues and a shared commitment to resolving them, asserting, "We believe that terrorism is unacceptable to all of us. The death of civilians, wherever they happen, is condemnable."

The Prime Minister's statements underscore the collaborative efforts of nations to address the urgent and complex issues facing the global community, emphasizing unity in the pursuit of peace, humanitarian aid, and the condemnation of terrorism.

Expressing optimism amidst challenges, Reflecting on the progress made over the past year, the Prime Minister recalled the commitment to make the G-20 inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive. The theme of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" resonated strongly, fostering unity and cooperation beyond boundaries.

A pivotal moment in the G-20's inclusive journey was the unanimous welcome extended to the African Union during India's Presidency, marking a significant step towards a more representative platform.

The recent Voice of Global South Summit echoed the global appreciation for decisions made at the New Delhi G-20 Summit, emphasizing a human-centric approach, support for innovation, and a dedication to multilateralism.

As the world confronts distrust and challenges, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of prioritizing the concerns of the Global South.

A call to action for development agenda support, reforms in global structures, and accelerated efforts toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals were emphasized. The Prime Minister cited India's Aspirational District Program as a noteworthy example of local-level progress.

Furthering the commitment to digital infrastructure, the Prime Minister announced the readiness of the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository and proposed the establishment of a Social Impact Fund to support its implementation in Global South countries.

Addressing the responsible use of technology, a Global AI Partnership Summit in India was announced, emphasizing the need for global regulations on Artificial Intelligence.

Environmental concerns took centre stage, with initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance and the mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) gaining recognition.

The G-20's commitment to tripling renewable energy usage by 2030 and advancing clean hydrogen initiatives showcased a dedication to pro-planet approaches.

Notably, a new working group on women empowerment was formed, with India's historic decision to reserve 33 per cent of parliamentary and state legislative assembly seats for women receiving applause.

In the face of global challenges, the G20 Summit emphasized unity, cooperation, and decisive action, setting the stage for a collaborative and impactful approach to the world's most pressing issues.