Bali (Indonesia) ∙ At the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi indirectly responded to the reluctance of the United States and European countries to buy crude oil from Russia. He stressed that as the fastest growing economy in the world, India’s energy security is vital. Now is not the time to embargo the energy market. In the presence of US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Modi said India would take steps when it retains the G20 presidency to reach a consensus on these issues.
It was reported that the United States and the European Union were pressuring Russia to take a tougher stance upon the announcement of the G20 summit. Countries like China and Saudi Arabia are of the opinion that no harsh action should be taken against Russia. Russian President Putin will not attend this conference. Russia is represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov accused the West of trying to ‘politicise’ the summit by demanding that the G20 statement include an additional line condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
India will continue to chair the G20 from 1 December. Modi said he was confident India would take over the presidency. “When we gather in the land of Buddha and Gandhi, we can send a strong message about world peace,” he said.
Modi-Biden speaks to increase cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Both leaders said strategic cooperation needs to be strengthened to make the relationship stronger and warmer. Both leaders expressed their satisfaction with the recent buoyancy in bilateral relations. Modi also held informal talks with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
English summary: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the G20 summit
