India seen as ‘Vishwa Mitra’, proud of African Union’s inclusion in G20 in its presidency: PM Modi
New Delhi [India], September 18 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India will always feel proud that the African Union became part of the G20 during the Summit held under its Presidency.
He recalled that the African Union President had talked about getting emotional when the announcement was made.
The Prime Minister, who initiated debate on 75 years of parliamentary democracy in the Lok Sabha during the Special Session of Parliament which began on Monday, said India emerged as ‘Vishwa Mitra’ during the G20 summit held earlier this month in the national capital.
“India will be proud that when it was the president (of the G20), the African Union became its member. I cannot forget the emotional moment when the announcement was made regarding the African Union’s inclusion in the G20.”
The Prime Minister also referred to reports about a consensus unlikely on G20 declaration and said that unanimity was achieved.
“African Union President in an interview said that perhaps it was such a moment that ‘I would break down while speaking’. You can imagine the fortune India had, to fulfill such huge hopes and expectations. Some people have the nature to suspect India and it continues to be same since independence. This time too, it was same that no declaration will be made and it is impossible. It is India’s strength that it (unanimous declaration) became possible,” the Prime Minister said.
He assured full support to Speaker Om Birla for the P20 conference.
“India’s Presidency will continue till November. Under your chairmanship the P20 (Summit of G20 Parliament speakers) – you announced, will have our full support,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said it is a matter of pride for all that India has carved a place for itself as ‘Vishwa Mitra’ and the entire world is seeing a friend in India.
“Reasons for that are our ‘Sanskaars’ that we gathered from Vedas to Vivekanand. The mantra of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is uniting us to bring the world with us,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi expressed gratitude to parliamentarians for appreciating the success of G20. He said that G20’s success is India’s success and not about a particular individual or party.
“Today, you have unanimously appreciated the success of G20. You have increased the prestige of the countrymen. I express my gratitude to you. G20’s success is that of 140 crore citizens of the country. It is a matter for all of us to celebrate. It will increase the country’s pride.”
Earlier, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla congratulated citizens for successful G20 Summit.
“I want to congratulate each and every Indian for the successful organisation of the G20 Summit. I also appreciate PM Modi’s vision to dedicate this Summit to the people of the country. India’s presidency of the G20 has been people-centric and in the coming decades, it will give us a new direction,” he said.
“Under the leadership of PM Modi, the New Delhi declaration was unanimously accepted by the leaders of the world. India has been the voice of the Global South and under the leadership of PM Modi, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20,” Birla added.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said.
The Special Session of the Parliament will be held from September 18 to 22. The five-day special session of Parliament began at 11 am on Monday.
The session today will be held in the old Parliament building, and MPs will move into the building on September 19, the second day of the special session.
Earlier in the day, while, addressing media persons outside Parliament, PM Modi said that all decisions of the time to make India a developed country by 2047 will be taken in the new Parliament building.
