Modi stressed at the Voice of Global South Summit that the threat of terrorism creates “global insecurity.”

New Delhi: During a virtual address at the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted global uncertainties, the growing threat of terrorism and separatism, and India’s efforts to help those in conflict in Gaza and Ukraine.

The Voice of Global South Summit was a product of India's G20 presidency last year and aims to provide a platform for developing countries to discuss issues and priorities related to their development.

Reiterating his proposal at the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit last November, Modi said India would contribute $25 million to a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) fund in countries in the Global South. “To accelerate DPI in the Global South, we have created the Social Impact Fund. India will make an initial contribution of $25 million,” he said.

Here are the key takeaways from his speech.

About an “atmosphere of uncertainty”

In his virtual address, Modi said: “We meet today at a time when an atmosphere of uncertainty prevails everywhere. War-like situations have posed challenges to our development path.”

“We are not only facing the challenges of climate change, but there are now also concerns about health security, food security and energy security,” he added.

Not only India, but also China is positioning itself as an anchor in the region, especially as it seeks to expand multilateral groupings such as BRICS and SCO against Western-led groups.

Read also: How the small Indian-American community contributes and influences the US economy

On the threat of terrorism, extremism and separatism

In his speech, the Indian Prime Minister highlighted the growing threat of terrorism, extremism and separatism on the world stage. He also criticised global institutions that are failing to address these challenges.

“Terrorism, extremism and separatism remain a serious threat to our society. In addition, technological divides and new economic and social challenges related to technology are emerging,” he said.

“The global governance and financial institutions created in the last century were unable to meet the challenges of this century,” he added.

On Gaza and Ukraine

India is providing humanitarian assistance to conflict regions such as Gaza and Ukraine, Modi said.

“In times of humanitarian crises, India helps its friendly countries like a first responder. Be it the volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea or the floods in Kenya,” he said.

“We have also provided humanitarian assistance in conflict areas such as Gaza and Ukraine,” he added.

Speaking at an event in Delhi earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar predicted a “gloomy forecast” for the next five years on the world stage.

“If I had to give a five-year forecast, it would be a grim forecast… You see what is happening in the Middle East, Ukraine, Southeast Asia, East Asia, the ongoing impact of Covid, the economic challenges, disruptions of all kinds, climate events,” he said at the “Indiaspora Impact Report: Small Community, Big Contributions, Limitless Horizons” event in Delhi on Tuesday.

(Edited by Zinnia Ray Chaudhuri)

Read also: 5 key highlights from former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s first official statement since her ouster