G20 launches Global Alliance against Poverty, Modi champions Global South

By Kartike Garg

RIO DE JANEIRO: In the seaside city of Rio, history was made as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva unveiled a landmark initiative titled, “Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty,” before the leaders of the world’s most advanced economies on November 18, the opening day of the 19^th G20 summit. The alliance brings together 81 nations to tackle the persistent crises of hunger and poverty, the twin challenges the left-leaning Lula described as “scourges that shame humanity.”

The ambitious initiative elicited praise from world leaders, with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding it as a triumph of the Global South and a fulfilment of a similar promise of food security unveiled at the G20 summit in New Delhi last year. The launch of the anti-poverty alliance not only set a high note for Brazil’s G20 presidency but also underscored the summit’s theme of inclusivity and shared progress.

Expressing India’s solidarity with Brazil’s vision, PM Modi supported the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, calling it a vital step towards implementing the Deccan High-Level Principles for Food Security, adopted at the New Delhi G20 Summit. He stressed the necessity of addressing the challenges of the Global South, particularly the food, fuel, and fertilizer crises exacerbated by global conflicts.

PM Modi also reiterated India’s role in ensuring global food security, citing recent humanitarian assistance to countries like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

“The launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty is a potentially revolutionary step as even now more than 700 million people in the world sleep hungry without knowing where the next meal will come from. If the G20 can reduce hunger and poverty by half over the next five years, it will be a historic achievement,” said Manish Chand, CEO, Centre for Global India Insights, a think tank based on global affairs. “The anti-poverty alliance fits in with the focus on promoting inclusivity during India’s G20 presidency last year. It aligns with PM Modi’s vision of leaving no one behind and last-mile delivery of benefits of development to ordinary people,” said Chand, a foreign policy expert who has curated the book titled, “India’s G20 Legacy: Shaping a New World Order.”

Modi Highlights India’s Achievements

In his address, Prime Minister Modi highlighted monumental strides made by India over the past decade in improving lives of people in India. He shared that over 250 million people in India have been lifted out of poverty, and 800 million citizens receive free food grains. Programs such as the world’s largest health insurance scheme, benefiting 550 million people, and targeted nutritional initiatives like Saksham Anganwadi and Nutrition 2.0 have positioned India as a global leader in social inclusion.

PM Modi emphasized women-led development, with 300 million women micro-entrepreneurs accessing credit, and transformative initiatives for farmers, including $20 billion in crop insurance benefits and $300 billion in institutional credit.

India’s focus on sustainable agriculture was also spotlighted. The promotion of millets, the development of 2,000 climate-resilient crop varieties, and the Digital Agriculture Mission demonstrate how India is bridging traditional practices with modern technology to achieve food security and environmental sustainability.

A Grand Welcome for Modi in Rio

Amid the high-stakes diplomacy, PM Modi’s arrival in Rio de Janeiro became a cultural celebration. The Indian diaspora and Vedic scholars greeted him with traditional Sanskrit chants, creating a spiritual and cultural ambience. Performances showcasing India’s heritage further enlivened the scene, with PM Modi expressing heartfelt gratitude for the “memorable” welcome.

In a social media post, PM Modi remarked, “Deeply touched by the warm and lively welcome from the Indian community. Their energy reflects the affection that binds us across continents.”

A Promising Start

As the G20 summit unfolds over two days, the launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty stands as a testament to the collective will of the world’s most influential economies. PM Modi’s emphasis on social inclusion, India’s success stories, and the prioritization of the Global South’s challenges signal a promising path forward for global cooperation.

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