Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that disruptions in fuel, fertiliser, and food supply chains caused by the West Asia crisis will continue to affect the Global South for a considerable period. He emphasised the need for the international community to ensure that vulnerable countries are not left to bear the brunt of such crises alone.
Proposals for Global Cooperation
Addressing a G7 outreach session on shared and balanced growth, Modi proposed a global skills partnership to harness the abundance of skills and enterprise in developing countries. He also called for establishing an International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT) to create trade, technology, and energy corridors, bringing together G7 capital, India's talent, and the ownership of Global South countries.
Support for Vulnerable Nations
Modi urged international financial institutions to develop support mechanisms that help developing countries absorb shocks, such as those from the West Asia crisis, and sustain their economic resilience. "If we are truly committed to strengthening international solidarity, the most vulnerable countries should not be left to bear the burden of these crises alone," he said.
Connectivity Projects Inspired by IMEC
Drawing inspiration from the IMEC Vision, the PM suggested that the G7 could work on connectivity projects with countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Island region. He described IMEC as a strategic corridor connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe that will accelerate trade, strengthen supply chains, and create new opportunities for investment, employment, and innovation. He stressed the need to advance such initiatives characterised by local ownership, transparent financing, and a clear vision for long-term sustainability.
India's Commitment to Global Prosperity
Modi highlighted India's actions, noting that India has concluded trade agreements with most countries represented in the G7 meeting. "This reflects India's belief not in fragmentation but in integration, not in protectionism but in partnership, and not in uncertainty but in shared prosperity," he said. He added that India will continue to work together with all to strengthen shared economic resilience and build a more stable, reliable, and prosperous global economy.
Global Skills Partnership
The PM also stressed that while developed countries face the challenge of ageing societies, India and other Global South countries possess immense potential in terms of young talent, enterprise, and skills. "To harness this natural complementarity, we may consider establishing a Global Skills Partnership. Under this framework, we can work together on skill mapping and promoting trusted skilled mobility," Modi said.
