Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the first session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, highlighting the need to reinforce inclusive and sustainable growth on a global scale.
In a post on X following the session, the Prime Minister said the Summit — hosted by Africa for the first time — presents an important opportunity to re-evaluate development priorities. He stated that India’s civilisational values, including the principle of “Integral Humanism,” can guide efforts towards balanced and people-centric growth.
Prime Minister Modi proposed the establishment of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team to strengthen coordination among member nations during major health emergencies and natural disasters. The initiative envisions teams of trained medical professionals from G20 countries who can be deployed rapidly when required.
The Prime Minister also underlined concerns over the spread of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and called for collective action to disrupt illicit networks. He proposed a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus, noting that international cooperation is essential to curb the financial and security risks posed by drug trafficking.
The Prime Minister said these initiatives reflect India’s belief in collaborative solutions and its commitment to safeguarding global health and security.