Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a significant address at the G20 leaders' summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, November 22, 2025, highlighting the dangerous connection between drug trafficking and terrorism as a major global security challenge. The Indian leader proposed multiple initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation and supporting African development.
Combating the Drug-Terror Nexus
In his opening statement at the summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that drug trafficking, particularly of lethal substances like fentanyl, has become a serious threat to public health, social stability, and global security. He specifically noted that this illegal trade has become "a major means of financing terrorism" worldwide.
To address this growing concern, India proposed the "G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus" which aims to bring together various instruments related to finance, governance, and security. "Only then can the drug-terror economy be weakened," Modi stated during his plenary address at the summit hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Strengthening Africa Through Skills Development
Reaching out to the African continent, Prime Minister Modi announced the G20-Africa Skills Multiplier initiative with an ambitious target to train one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade. This program will operate under a 'train-the-trainers' model across different sectors, with all G20 partners providing financial and technical support.
"Africa's development and empowering young African talent is in the global interest," Modi emphasized. He explained that these trainers would subsequently train millions of skilled youth across the continent, creating a multiplier effect that would build local capacity and strengthen Africa's long-term development prospects.
Global Health and Traditional Knowledge Initiatives
Addressing global health challenges, the Prime Minister proposed the formation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team consisting of trained medical experts from member countries. This team would be ready for rapid deployment during any global health crisis or natural disaster, enhancing international emergency response capabilities.
Modi also suggested establishing a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository within the G20 framework, with India's Indian Knowledge Systems initiative serving as its foundation. He described this as a platform to help transmit "humanity's collective wisdom to future generations" by documenting traditions that reflect sustainability, cultural wisdom, and deep respect for nature.
Reinforcing India's G20 Legacy
The Prime Minister acknowledged that under South Africa's presidency, "commendable work has been done on issues such as skilled migration, tourism, food security, AI, the digital economy, innovation, and women's empowerment." He noted that the historic initiatives taken at the New Delhi G20 Summit had been furthered in Johannesburg, particularly referencing the African Union's inclusion as a G20 member under India's initiative for Global South representation.
Sources confirmed that India successfully ensured several key outcomes from its presidency were reflected in the Johannesburg declaration, including strong language on terrorism condemnation, women-led development, digital public infrastructure, climate finance, and UN Security Council reforms. The declaration also recognized the role of traditional and complementary medicine, echoing the New Delhi Leaders' declaration.
On the sidelines of the summit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral meetings with several world leaders including British PM Keir Starmer, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, strengthening India's diplomatic engagements on the global stage.
