G20 Virtual Summit: PM Modi Says It's Important To Ensure Israel's War On Gaza Doesn't Become Regional Conflict, Urges For Two-State Solution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of preventing Israel's war on Gaza from escalating into a regional crisis. He asserted the need for a two-state solution to resolve the crisis.

Expressing concern about instability in West Asia, Modi highlighted the G20 leaders' consensus on zero tolerance for terrorism. He condemned the unacceptable loss of innocent lives, particularly among children and women.

Additionally, the prime minister welcomed news of hostage release, expressing hope for their swift freedom. He urged the effective and safe delivery of humanitarian aid at the earliest opportunity.

"It is necessary to ensure timely and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid. It is also necessary to ensure that the war between Israel and Hamas does not escalate into a regional conflict," Modi said in his opening remarks.

Later, in his concluding remarks, he batted for a two-state solution to end the festering Israel-Palestine dispute and said it is necessary to restore regional peace and stability.
After listening to the perspectives of all G20 leaders, Modi highlighted their collective agreement on various issues concerning the critical situation in West Asia. He outlined the points of consensus, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and dialogue as the primary means to alleviate territorial-political tensions, which was one of the seven agreed-upon points.

Modi conveyed that the G20 is prepared to provide comprehensive assistance on these matters, underscoring discussions on the socio-economic impact of the global situation and its development agenda.

The virtual summit included the participation of leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, UAE President Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and others.

"Our coming together shows that we are sensitive to all issues and standing together for their solution. We believe that terrorism is unacceptable to us... There is zero tolerance to terrorism. Death of civilians, wherever it may be, is condemnable.

"We welcome the news of the release of hostages. We hope all hostages will be released soon," Modi said.

The prime minister also spoke about the "negative effects" of artificial intelligence and made a strong pitch for global regulation of the emerging technology.

"There are growing concerns across the world on the negative use of AI. India's thinking is clear, we have to work together on global regulation of AI. We must understand the dangers posed by deepfakes to society and individuals and move forward," Modi said.

Addressing the G20 leaders, he said, "When on November 16 last year, Indonesian President Joko Widodo handed the ceremonial gavel to me, I had said we will make G20 inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented and decisive. In one year, we have together achieved this."

All of us together have taken G20 to newer heights, he said.

"In this world full of mistrust and challenges, it is this trust that binds us together. In the last one year, we have expressed confidence in 'One Earth, One Family and One Future'. Moving away from controversies, we have worked with unity and cooperation," Modi said.

"I can never forget that moment when in Delhi all of us welcomed the African Union into the G20. This message of inclusivity given by the G20 to the world is unprecedented.

"It is a matter of pride for India that under its presidency, Africa was given a voice. In the last one year in the G20, Global South's voice has also been heard," Modi said.

The prime minister asserted that the G20 has increased the confidence in multilateralism and global governance reforms have been given a direction.

The prime minister also invited leaders of G20 nations and that of the Global South to study the Aspirational Districts Programme of India, which aims at implementing sustainable development goals at the local level in the country.

"This single initiative has changed the lives of 25 crore people in the country," Modi said.

With Brazil set to take over the elite global body's presidency next month, he conveyed his best wishes to Lula and expressed confidence that it will work unitedly with the spirit of "Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam" for global peace, stability and prosperity.

"It will continue to work to meet the expectations of the Global South," he said, expressing hope that it will move forward on the issue of reforming multi-lateral development banks and global governance.

Transparent steps will be taken for debt restructuring, he said in reference to its likely agenda under Brazil's presidency.

Expressing confidence that food and health security besides sustainable development will be given priority, he called for ensuring just, easy and affordable climate finance along with climate action.

He also stressed on women-led development, pathways for "skilled migration"and the development of medium and small-scale industries.