Chinese Debt Trap, G20 Summit And More: Here Are The Key Issues PM Addressed In His Latest Interview

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his belief that India will be a developed country by 2047.

In an interview with news agency PTI, PM Modi also spoke about the upcoming G20 Summit, which will be hosted by India in New Delhi from 8 to 10 September, and other issues.

Here are the highlights of the interview:

India's achievements during G20 Presidency

PM Modi discussed India's achievements during its G20 Presidency and the global shift towards a human-centric approach.

He highlighted India's response to the pandemic, its role as a catalyst for greater inclusion of the Global South, and the seeds of confidence it has sowed in these countries.

He emphasised that every voice, regardless of GDP size, matters in the evolving world order.

Shifting to a Human-Centric Worldview

PM Modi highlighted the shift from a GDP-centric view of the world to a human-centric one, asserting that a new world order was emerging post-COVID.

He emphasised the importance of recognising changing parameters of influence and impact and shared the philosophy of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" (Development for All) as a guiding principle for the welfare of the world.

Handing Over G20 Presidency to Brazil

Regarding the handover of the G20 Presidency to Brazil, PM Modi refrained from giving specific advice to President Lula but expressed respect for his abilities and vision.

He acknowledged the support received from Indonesia and affirmed India's commitment to continue contributing constructively to the G20 beyond its Presidency.

Proposal to Include African Union in G20

On the proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20, PM Modi explained India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future) and its commitment to inclusion.

He highlighted India's efforts in health, climate, and disaster resilience, emphasising that every country's voice matters, especially those from Africa, due to India's shared history and aspirations with the African countries.

"Our affinity to Africa is natural. We have had millennia-old cultural and commerce ties with Africa. We have a shared history of movements against colonialism. As a youthful and aspirational nation ourselves, we also relate to the people of Africa and their aspirations," PM Modi said.

PM Modi said that the India-Africa ties have grown even stronger in the last few years.

"One of the earliest summits that I held after becoming Prime Minister was the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015. Over 50 countries from Africa participated and it greatly strengthened our partnership," he said.

"Africa is a top priority for us even within the G20. One of the first things we did during our G20 Presidency was to hold the Voice of the Global South summit, which had enthusiastic participation from Africa," PM Modi said.

"We believe that no plan for the future of the planet can be successful without the representation and recognition of all voices. There is a need to come out of a purely utilitarian worldview and embrace a Sarva Jana Hitaaya, Sarva Jana Sukhaaya' model," he added.

Advancing Sustainable Energy Solutions - The Biofuel Alliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India's approach to advancing sustainable energy solutions, particularly the proposal for a Biofuel Alliance, which was expected to be unveiled at the G-20.

He emphasised the importance of global interconnectedness and interdependence and how countries' capabilities contribute to global resilience.

He drew parallels with Mahatma Gandhi's vision of self-sufficiency and highlighted India's progress in climate-centric initiatives, including solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, and climate targets.

Modi explained the rationale behind such alliances, stating that they aim to provide options for developing countries to transition to cleaner energy sources.

"Biofuels are also important from the perspective of a circular economy. Markets, trade, technology, and policy all aspects of international cooperation are crucial in creating such opportunities," PM Modi said.

He added that such alternatives can enhance energy security, create opportunities for domestic industry, and create green jobs all crucial elements in ensuring a transition that leaves no one behind.

Spreading G-20 Meetings Across India

Prime Minister Modi also discussed the innovative strategy of spreading G-20 meetings across various regions in India during its Presidency.

He emphasised that this approach stemmed from a belief in the abilities of people across the country.

He cited examples of global events held in different Indian states and union territories, highlighting the positive impact such events had on local development and the confidence of the population.

Pm Modi stated that over 220 meetings would have taken place across 60 cities in all 28 states and 8 union territories by the end of India's G20 Presidency.

"We are not only conducting meetings across all states but each state is also ensuring they leave their unique cultural stamp on the minds of the delegates. This is also giving the world an idea of India's incredible diversity," he said.

"I have also appealed to various states during the Chief Ministers meeting that they should ensure that each state continues to strengthen its relationship with the delegates who visited them during G20 and their countries. This will also open up a lot of opportunities for the people in future," PM Modi said.

"So, there is a deeper plan behind the decentralizstion of the activities related to G20. We are investing in capacity building in our people, our institutions and our cities," he added.

Outcomes of G-20 Sectoral Meetings

Prime Minister Modi also discussed the outcomes of sectoral meetings that took place in India during 2023.

He mentioned that the assessment of concrete outcomes would be more appropriate at the end of the G20 Presidency term in December.

However, he highlighted the successful outcomes achieved in various ministerial meetings, such as those related to climate action, food security, women's empowerment, and sustainable development.

These outcomes included agreements on accelerating climate action, principles for hydrogen, initiatives for research on millets and ancient grains, bridging the gender digital divide, reducing gaps in labor force participation, and more.

PM Modi emphasised that these developments would be pivotal for the world's direction in the coming years.

Hosting G-20 Meetings in Diverse Indian Regions including Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Modi addressed the question of hosting G-20 meetings in various regions of India, including Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, despite objections from certain neighbouring countries.

He expressed surprise at the question and highlighted that India's vast and diverse landscape naturally lends itself to hosting meetings in different parts of the country.

"Such a question would be valid if we had refrained from conducting meetings in those venues. Ours is such a vast, beautiful and diverse nation. When G20 meetings are happening, isn't it natural that meetings will be held in every part of our country?" PM Mod said.

Leveraging India's Economic Growth for Global Consensus

PM Modi also discussed how India, as the fastest-growing economy, leveraged its position to forge a consensus on various economic issues within the G-20.

He noted that India's political stability and policy clarity had laid the foundation for rapid economic growth.

"In the three decades before 2014, our country saw many governments that were unstable and therefore, unable to get much done. But in the last few years, the people have given a decisive mandate, which has led to a stable government, predictable policies and clarity in the overall direction," he said.

He highlighted that India's reforms in various sectors, including the economy, education, finance, digitalisation, and welfare, had resulted in impressive growth.

PM Modi emphasised the importance of stability, predictability, and a clear roadmap for reforms in achieving this growth.

"The rapid and sustained progress made by India naturally evoked interest across the world and many countries have been watching our growth story very closely. They are convinced that this progress is not an accident but is happening as a result of a clear, action-oriented roadmap of Reform, Perform, Transform'," PM Modi said.

He also mentioned that India's measured and calibrated fiscal and monetary responses to the pandemic had ensured macroeconomic stability while serving the needs of the people.

"At the same time, every rupee that was meant for the poor reached them immediately, without any leakages or delays, due to our impressive digital public infrastructure," he said.

"Several such factors provided a strong credible foundation upon which we could build our G20 Presidency agenda," PM Modi said.

"This is the reason we have been able to bring nations of the world together to discuss, deliberate and deliver on various issues," he added.

Addressing the Global Debt Crisis

PM Modi discussed the global debt crisis and its impact on developing countries.

He stressed the importance of financial discipline, and highlighted India's efforts to address debt vulnerabilities, especially in the Global South.

"To accelerate global debt restructuring efforts, the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable, a joint initiative of the IMF, World Bank and the G20 Presidency was launched earlier this year," PM Modi said, adding that this will strengthen communication among key stakeholders and facilitate effective debt treatment.

Promoting Peace and Consensus

Prime Minister Modi addressed the question of promoting peace and consensus in the context of global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war.

He reiterated India's stance on resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

He emphasised the need for a united world to face common challenges, and expressed support for peace, stability, and progress.

Democratisation of Technology

PM Modi discussed India's efforts in democratising technology. He highlighted India's successful initiatives, such as the world's largest vaccine drive, digital public infrastructure, digital transactions, and the open-source platform for vaccine distribution.

He also mentioned the Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity, which enabled financial inclusion and direct benefit transfer.

PM Modi emphasised that technology is now seen as an agent of equality and inclusion in India's approach, and these initiatives have garnered global recognition.

He also mentioned India's contributions to the G20's Digital Economy Ministers meeting and the adoption of principles for the safe and secure digital economy.

Climate Change and Energy Transition Post-Ukraine Conflict

In response to a question on the progress of climate change targets after the Ukraine conflict, given the renewed importance of fossil fuels in some countries, Prime Minister Modi emphasised India's commitment to diversity in its energy mix and tailored approaches to energy transition for different countries.

"Our principle is simple – diversity is our best bet, whether in society or in terms of our energy mix. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Given the different pathways countries are on, our pathways for energy transition will be different," he said.

He pointed out India's historical low emissions and efforts to meet climate goals while ensuring growth.

PM Modi expresses optimism about the future of the fight against climate change, emphasising a shift from a restrictive to a constructive approach with international cooperation.

"Rather than focusing purely on the approach of don’t do this or that, we want to bring in an attitude that makes people and nations aware of what they can do and help them with that, in terms of finance, technology and other resources," he added.

Cybersecurity and Financial Threats

PM Modi acknowledged the gravity of cyber threats, particularly their financial impact.

He cited the World Bank's estimate of significant losses due to cyber-attacks and highlights the broader societal and geopolitical implications of these threats.

He points out that cyber-attacks go beyond financial losses, including cyberterrorism, online radicalisation, and the use of technology for illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorism.

"Cyberspace has introduced an entirely new dimension to the battle against illicit financial activities and terrorism. Terrorist organizations are using technology for radicalisation, moving money from money laundering and drugs into terror funding, and capitalizing on emerging digital avenues such as the dark net, metaverse, and cryptocurrency platforms to fulfil their nefarious aims," he said.

He also pointed out the potential impact of cyber threats on the social fabric of nations, including the spread of deep fakes and fake news.

PM Modi underscored the need for global cooperation in addressing these challenges, given the distributed nature of the threat dynamics.

Relevance of Multilateral Institutions and India's Role

PM Modi discussed the importance of adapting multilateral institutions like the United Nations to the current global context.

He emphasised that these institutions must evolve to reflect changing realities and prioritise the representation of voices that matter.

"A mid-20th century approach cannot serve the world in the 21st century. So, our international institutions need to recognise changing realities, expand their decision-making forums, relook at their priorities and ensure representation of voices that matter," he said.

He mentioned that when institutions fail to adapt, smaller or regional forums gain importance.

PM Modi viewed the G-20 as a platform for taking actions and achieving outcomes, regardless of their origin.

He highlighted India's unique position within the global framework, with its diverse population, democratic values, and potential for contributing to global problem-solving.

He also recognised the media's role in creating awareness about shifting global dynamics and the need for institutional

India's Economic Future and Vision for 2047

PM Modi also discussed India's historical economic prominence and its recent resurgence.

He mentioned the four "Ds" driving India's growth: democracy, demography, diversity, and development.

"I have said earlier too that the period till 2047 is a huge opportunity. Indians who are living in this era have a great chance to lay a foundation for growth that will be remembered for the next 1,000 years!" he said.

He pointed to various achievements across multiple domains, such as the rise of unicorns, advancements in the space sector, and improved rankings of Indian universities.

"With such momentum, I am positive that we will be in the top three economies in the near future," he said.

"By 2047, I am sure that our country will be among the developed countries," PM Modi said.

"Our economy will be even more inclusive and innovative. Our poor people will comprehensively win the battle against poverty. Health, education and social sector outcomes will be among the best in the world," he said.

PM Modi said that he envisions a future India that is not only economically prosperous but also inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.

He emphasised the eradication of issues like corruption, casteism, and communalism by 2047 and envisioned a high quality of life for all citizens while preserving both nature and culture.