New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the G20 Summit emphasised the importance of the 21st century in finding new solutions to old challenges and called for a human-centric approach to address global challenges.

In his opening remarks at the G20 Summit, being held at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, PM Modi pointed out that to address global challenges and overcome trust deficits caused by conflicts like of Ukraine-Russia there is a need to adopt a human-centric approach.

“Today, as the president of G 20, India calls upon the world together to transform the global trust deficit into one of trust and reliance. This is the time for all of us to move together. In this time, the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas' can be the torch bearer for us. Be it the divide between North and South, the distance between East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we will have to find a solid solution to this for future generations," PM Modi said.

We need to remember and recall the message of "Humanity." We need to work along and for this we all need to recall the motto "Sabka saath, sabka vikaas, sabka Vishwas," asserts Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India also places great emphasis on a human-centric way of furthering progress.

He also proposed that the African Union be given permanent membership of G20.

Modi said, for all challenges, right from the upheaval in the global economy to the North-South divide, from food management to fuel and fertilizer management, from terrorism to cyber ​​security, from health to energy and water security, we have to move towards concrete solutions, together!

"The 21st century is an important time to show the world a new direction. T the time when old problems are seeking new solutions from us and that is we should move ahead fulfilling our responsibilities with a human-centric approach," he said.

PM Modi asserted that the war in Ukraine has resulted in a trust deficit at the global level and called on all the G20 summit leaders to work together.

He added, "Be it the divide between East and West, management of food and fuel, terrorism, cyber security, health, energy or water security, we will have to find a solid solution to this for future generations."

Significantly, the name plate of Prime Minister Modi at the Summit mentioned Bharat as against the earlier practice of India.

In a significant development, PM Modi said that African Union has been made a permanent member of the Group of 20 and invited the AU, represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.

At this, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar escorted Azali Assoumani to his seat as a member.

At the start of his address, PM Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in Morocco, which was hit by an earthquake early this morning.

He said, "Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time."

India assumed the G20 presidency on December 1 last year and about meetings related to G20 were organized in 60 cities across the country

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The summit is being attended by more than 30 heads of state and top from the European Union and invited guest countries and 14 heads of international organisations.