Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a transformative vision at the recently held 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. He focused on global security, sustainable development, artificial intelligence safeguards, and reforms in multilateral institutions. Modi framed India’s approach through the philosophy of “Integral Humanism,” which views the individual, society, and nature as one unified system. His proposals supported Africa’s development needs and highlighted India’s growing leadership in the Global South. Therefore, studying these initiatives is essential for UPSC, APSC, and other State PSC examinations.
Why PM Modi’s G-20 Initiatives Matter for UPSC and APSC
- G-20 topics appear regularly in GS Paper 2 under international relations and GS Paper 3 under security, economy, and technology.
- PM Modi’s six-point agenda reflects India’s priorities during global transitions.
- It also aligns with themes like global governance reforms, sustainable growth, digital innovation, and South-South cooperation.
- Thus, aspirants must understand each proposal to answer both prelims and mains questions effectively.
Overview of PM Modi’s Vision at the Johannesburg G-20 Summit
- Leaders from major economies gathered in Johannesburg under the presidency of South Africa.
- During the summit, Modi outlined six major initiatives. He embedded these proposals within the philosophy of Integral Humanism, emphasising harmony between humans, society, and nature.
- He also stressed that Africa deserved a new development model because it suffered heavily from conventional growth patterns.
PM Modi’s Six-Point Agenda at G-20:
PM Modi proposed six major G-20-led initiatives to address global challenges. Each initiative has strong implications for peace, development, and sustainability.
1. G-20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus:
PM Modi called for urgent global action against drug trafficking. He proposed a dedicated initiative to dismantle the drug-terror ecosystem.
Key Focus Areas:
- Unify governance, financial, and security tools.
- Disrupt global trafficking networks.
- Choke illicit financial flows.
- Target synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
- Weaken terror financing channels.
This initiative aims to protect youth, strengthen global security, and reduce organised crime.
2. G-20 Global Healthcare Response Team:
PM Modi urged the creation of a global rapid response medical team.
Objectives:
- Deploy trained health professionals during emergencies.
- Support countries facing pandemics or natural disasters.
- Strengthen global health resilience and coordination.
This proposal builds on India’s strong leadership during COVID-19 through vaccine diplomacy and digital health systems.
3. G-20 Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative:
Modi focused strongly on Africa’s development needs.
Vision of the Initiative:
- Adopt a “train-the-trainers” model.
- Create one million certified trainers in a decade.
- Empower Africa’s youth with future-ready skills.
- Strengthen partnerships between G-20 nations and Africa.
This initiative supports demographic growth and employment generation across African countries.
4. Global Traditional Knowledge Repository:
PM Modi highlighted the importance of sustainable lifestyles.
Purpose:
- Document global traditional practices.
- Share sustainable living models.
- Promote natural and holistic knowledge systems.
- Support research on indigenous wisdom.
India’s own traditional knowledge systems will form the foundation of this global repository.
5. G-20 Open Satellite Data Partnership:
PM Modi proposed using space technology for global development.
Key Goals:
- Share satellite data from G-20 space agencies.
- Support developing nations.
- Improve agriculture planning.
- Enhance fisheries management.
- Strengthen disaster management and climate resilience.
This partnership will boost data accessibility for vulnerable regions.
6. G-20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative:
Critical minerals are essential for clean energy transitions.
Focus Areas:
- Promote recycling and reuse.
- Support urban mining and second-life batteries.
- Strengthen supply chain resilience.
- Encourage innovation in mineral processing.
- Reduce environmental damage.
The initiative aims to create sustainable and secure mineral value chains.
PM Modi’s Call for AI Safeguards:
During the session titled “A Fair and Just Future for All – Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence”, PM Modi raised strong concerns about AI misuse.
His Key Recommendations:
- Develop a global compact on AI governance.
- Ensure AI remains human-centric and transparent.
- Prevent misuse in deepfakes, terrorism, and cybercrime.
- Promote responsible innovation and ethical AI development.
This proposal aligns with India’s push for secure and inclusive digital ecosystems.
PM Modi on UNSC Reforms at the IBSA Summit:
On the sidelines, PM Modi addressed the IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Leaders’ Summit.
His Major Points:
- UNSC reform is essential, not optional.
- Current global governance structures do not reflect today’s realities.
- IBSA must send a strong message for fairer representation.
- He proposed an IBSA-level NSA meet.
- He suggested forming an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance.
- He called for an IBSA Fund for Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
Modi emphasised cooperation in digital infrastructure, green energy, natural farming, traditional medicine, and disaster resilience.
Alignment with India’s G-20 2023 Priorities:
The Johannesburg Declaration addressed many Indian priorities from the 2023 presidency.
Key Achievements Reflected:
- Stronger climate finance commitments.
- Recognition of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- Global acknowledgement of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
- Adoption of the LiFE movement for sustainable lifestyles.
- Recognition of traditional and complementary medicine systems.
These achievements reinforce India’s consistent global vision.
South Africa’s Priority Themes and India’s Alignment:
South Africa identified four major priority areas for the summit.
These Priorities Included:
- Debt sustainability for low-income nations.
- Mobilising finance for clean energy transitions.
- Strengthening disaster response systems.
- Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth.
India supported all these priorities through its proposals on skills, satellite data, minerals, and sustainability.
Conclusion:
PM Modi’s initiatives at the G-20 Summit in Johannesburg show India’s rising leadership in a rapidly changing world. His six-point agenda addressed security, sustainable development, skills, traditional knowledge, data access, and critical minerals. His call for AI safeguards and UNSC reforms further demonstrated India’s commitment to fair and inclusive global governance. These proposals align strongly with UPSC and APSC syllabus themes, making them essential for exam preparation.
Also read – G7 Summit
Sources:
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-at-g20-summit-6-point-agenda-ai-safeguards-unsc-reform-key-takeaways-of-his-address-101763898130401.html
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-values-offer-path-to-growth-for-all-pm-at-g20-101763836118608.html
- https://www.newsonair.gov.in/pm-modi-unveils-six-global-development-initiatives-at-g20-summit-opening-in-johannesburg/
PM Modi proposed six major initiatives: the G-20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus, the Global Healthcare Response Team, the Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, the Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, the Open Satellite Data Partnership, and the Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative. These initiatives aim to promote global security, sustainability, skill development, and digital cooperation.
PM Modi recommended a coordinated global effort to dismantle the drug-terror ecosystem. The initiative aims to disrupt trafficking networks, choke illicit financing, target synthetic narcotics like fentanyl, and weaken terrorist funding channels. It strengthens global security and protects vulnerable populations.
PM Modi urged nations to establish a global compact on AI to prevent misuse. He emphasised the need for human-centric, transparent, responsible, and ethical AI systems. He warned against AI misuse in deepfakes, cybercrime, misinformation, and terrorism. His call aligns with India’s focus on secure digital ecosystems.
At the IBSA Leaders’ Summit, PM Modi stressed that UN Security Council reform is a necessity, not a choice. He pointed out that existing global governance structures no longer represent current geopolitical realities. Modi called for fairer and more inclusive representation in the UNSC. He also proposed strengthening IBSA cooperation through an IBSA-level NSA meeting, an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance, and an IBSA Fund for Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
PM Modi called for a global framework to regulate Artificial Intelligence responsibly. He urged world leaders to adopt a human-centric approach to AI development. He highlighted risks such as deepfakes, cybercrime, misinformation, and terrorist misuse. Modi emphasised the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical guidelines. His proposal focused on preventing harm while allowing innovation in emerging technologies.
