PM Modi and Brazil’s Luiz Lula da Silva
Photo : Twitter
The fight against poverty and hunger, global warming and efforts to reduce its impact and the restructuring of international institutions will be the three major issues for the G20 in Brazil later this month.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will spend a day in Nigeria before getting to Brazil for the G20. And on his way back, get to Guyana, where many people of Indian origin live. The Prime Minister leaves on November 16, and while all three primary issues are appropriate enough, India wants to bring up new technology like artificial intelligence and quantum computing into the discussions.
Hunger and poverty are of course important, particularly because India is a voice of the South and many millions live on less than $2 a day. Naturally, a concerted effort to reduce poverty is a significant point, something Brazil is pushing very hard for. Covid made the war against hunger difficult enough; the ongoing wars in Ukraine and West Asia is an additional challenge.
Equally worrying, particularly in the long term, is the problem of global warming and Brazil, where the Amazon basin lies, is concerned about it. For, the Amazon rain forests can deal with a significant amount of the emissions of carbon dioxide, but the issue of illegal deforestation and mining has to be dealt with. Brazil may need the world’s support for that. While the current government has dramatically reduced illegal tree felling, more needs to be done. India is supportive and will speak about its leadership of the International Solar Alliance and its investment in renewable energy.
Pushing for the restructuring of international institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council is a priority for India. India believes that the UN reflects the world of 1945 and must include more permanent members than the present five— USA, Russia, China, Britain and France. India, Brazil, Germany and Japan are all candidates for permanent member seats when the restructuring does happen.
India is also keen on the sharing of new technology like AI and quantum computing, particularly for the betterment of humanity. Also, as part of restructuring, the overhaul of international financial institutions may be necessary.
Discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war and the West Asian fighting will certainly come up. Brazil, the hosts, has been saying that India, having gone relations with the West and with Russia can help in bringing the war to an end.
Prime Minister Modi will hold talks with President Luiz Lula da Silva, the host, on the sidelines of the meeting. He will also be meeting Keir Starmer, the new British Prime Minister, among others.
