PM Modi Sends 'Bharat' Message At G20 Summit, Urges Reduction Of 'Global Trust Deficit'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural speech at the G20 Summit saw the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the elite grouping, as the multilateral event commenced in New Delhi on Saturday.

PM Modi invited Azali Assoumani, the President of the African Union, to the dias, after which the country grouping was formally inducted to the G20. 

India’s G20 presidency comes at a time when there’s a “global trust deficit”, which was widened due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, Modi said.

“I urge countries to reduce this global trust deficit and work together. Be it terrorism, the North-South divide, cybersecurity or health, energy and water security, we all need to work together,” he said.

PM Modi’s country tag at the speech also read ‘Bharat’ amid the government’s reported proposal to change the country’s name from India. Earlier, the President’s gala dinner invite also mentioned the title as the 'President of Bharat', sparking furore from the opposition parties.

With the first day of the G20 Summit underway, the first leaders’ session is titled ‘One Earth’. Following this, there will be a session titled ‘One Family’, taking on India’s presidency theme of Vasudeva Kutumbakam.