PM Narendra Modi signals Putin’s war a challenge for India as it takes over as new G20 host
- Indian leader said the world remains trapped in a ‘zero-sum mindset’ when countries fight over territory or resources and essential goods are weaponised
- His comments underscore New Delhi’s balancing act – especially when it comes to Vladimir Putin’s war – as it begins its presidency of the G20 collective
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted at Russia’s war in Ukraine as one of crises that will face the Group of 20 nations as the South Asian nation took over the presidency of the collective on Thursday.
The world remains “trapped in the same zero-sum mindset,” Modi wrote in an editorial in the Times of India newspaper. “We see it when countries fight over territory or resources. We see it when supplies of essential goods are weaponised.”
The comment underscores New Delhi’s balancing act – especially when it comes to Vladimir Putin’s war – as it begins hosting G20 meetings. Modi and his administration have positioned India as a driving force of unity when it hosts the summit and events that precede it.
“Our G20 priorities will be shaped in consultation with not just our G20 partners, but also our fellow-travellers in the global South, whose voice often goes unheard,” Modi wrote.
Earlier this year, Modi urged the Russian president to seek peace in Ukraine, following neighbour and rival China in expressing concern about the conflict that has been roiling the global economy.
PM Modi tells President Putin now is ‘not a time for war’
India will try and build consensus among nations to “depoliticise” the supply chains of food and fertiliser made scarce by the war, Modi wrote on Thursday.
India has abstained from United Nations votes to condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine and held back from participating in US-led efforts against Moscow. Instead, New Delhi has taken the opportunity to snap up cheaper Russian oil for its economic benefit.
Modi also appeared to take a dig at West for hoarding Covid-19 vaccines “even as billions remain vulnerable.”
India has earlier said it will use the presidency to focus on climate action, energy security, stronger public health systems and the accelerate the 2030 sustainable development goals.
