Modi to focus on global economic and health recovery at Italy G20 Summit

PM Narendra Modi will focus on global economic and health recovery from the pandemic, sustainable development, and climate change at the G-20 Summit in Italy over the weekend. The visit from Friday to Sunday will also see Modi meeting Pope Francis on Saturday in what would be their maiden in person meeting.

“This will be the first in-person Summit of the G20 since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 and will allow us to take stock of the current global situation and exchange ideas on how the G20 can be an engine for strengthening economic resilience and building back inclusively and sustainably from the pandemic,”
Modi said in his pre departure statement on Thursday night.


“During my visit to Italy, I will also visit the Vatican City, to call on His Holiness Pope Francis and meet Secretary of State, His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin,” Modi informed.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, Modi will also meet with leaders of other partner countries and review the progress in India’s bilateral relations with them. Briefing media about the visit Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla said among bilateral meetings the PM will meet Saudi Crown Prince (last G20 President) and the Indonesian President (Indonesia is incoming G20 presidency). The meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince is significant amid growing political and economic partnership.

“Following the conclusion of the G20 Summit on 31 October, I will depart for Glasgow to attend the 26th Conference of Parties (COP-26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). I will be participating in the high-level segment of COP-26 titled ‘World Leaders’ Summit’ (WLS) on 1-2 November, 2021 along with 120 Heads of States/Governments from around the world,” the PM stated.

“In line with our tradition of living in harmony with nature and culture of deep respect for the planet, we are taking ambitious action on expanding clean & renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation and bio-diversity,” he said, adding, “Today, India is creating new records in collective effort for climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience and forging multilateral alliances. India is among the top countries in the world in terms of installed renewable energy, wind and solar energy capacity. At the WLS, I will share India’s excellent track record on climate action and our achievements.”

“I will also highlight the need to comprehensively address climate change issues including equitable distribution of carbon space, support for mitigation and adaptation and resilience building measures, mobilization of finance, technology transfer and importance of sustainable lifestyles for green and inclusive growth,” Modi pointed out

COP26 Summit will also provide an opportunity to meet with all the stakeholders including leaders of partner countries, innovators and Inter-Governmental Organization and explore the possibilities for further accelerating clean growth, according to Modi.