At G20 Summit, PM Modi calls for global action against drug-terror nexus and stronger health, Africa Partnerships
Johannesburg — Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined India’s global vision at the 20th G20 Summit on Saturday and pushed a series of initiatives aimed at security, health, and African capacity building. He addressed the first session focused on inclusive and sustainable growth and urged G20 nations to act together on challenges that threaten global stability.
To begin with, Modi highlighted the threat of drug trafficking and its direct links to terrorism. He warned about the rise of dangerous substances like fentanyl and called for immediate action. He proposed the G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus and urged leaders to dismantle what he described as a destructive global economy. He said the plan would integrate finance, governance, and security tools to strike at the core of the drug-terror network.
Next, he shifted to global health preparedness. Modi proposed the creation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team. He said the team would bring together trained medical experts from G20 nations and deploy them rapidly during health emergencies or natural disasters. He stressed cooperation and said nations become stronger when they respond together to crises.
After that, Modi spoke about Africa’s central role in global growth. He reminded leaders that India supported the African Union’s entry into the G20 during India’s presidency. He then presented the G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative. He said the collective target should be one million certified trainers in Africa in the next decade. He argued that Africa’s progress drives global progress, and India stands firmly with African nations.
Furthermore, Modi emphasized the value of traditional knowledge. He announced India’s proposal to create a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository. He said the repository would preserve health wisdom and support well-being across societies. He noted India’s strong tradition in this field and asked G20 partners to contribute shared knowledge.
As the session continued, Modi repeated India’s view that multilateral cooperation must guide global responses. He stressed that drug-terror networks weaken societies, pandemics expose fragile health systems, and skill gaps slow economic growth. Therefore, he said G20 nations must lead with coordinated efforts.
Leaders at the summit heard India’s proposals as part of a larger push to link security, health, and development. Modi argued that these issues connect with each other and require bold commitments. He said India offers its experience to help build stronger structures for global safety and inclusive growth.
In the closing moments of his address, Modi urged leaders to act with collective responsibility. He said the world faces complex threats, but G20 cooperation can strengthen the global future. With this message, he positioned India as a driver of global partnerships focused on security, capacity building, and shared knowledge.
The summit’s next sessions will continue discussions on economic resilience, climate action, and strategic cooperation among major economies.
