In a recent address at the ‘India-UN for Global South: Delivering for Development’ event in New York City, Maneesh Gobin, the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security of Mauritius, commended India’s leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its G20 presidency. Minister Gobin praised India’s dedication to sustainable and human-centered development, noting that this tenure would undoubtedly be remembered for its commitment.
Minister Gobin expressed his admiration for India’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, describing it as a memorable and historic event. He highlighted the significance of the New Delhi Declaration, adopted during the summit on September 9, as a testament to the ability of nations, both from the north and south, to overcome differences for the common good.
A remarkable aspect of the New Delhi Declaration was the unanimous support for all 83 paragraphs, with a 100 percent consensus, including China and Russia, and notably without any footnotes or Chair’s Summary. This achievement marked a historic milestone in international cooperation.
Gobin also expressed Mauritius’ honor at being invited as a guest country throughout the G20 process, emphasizing the newfound prominence given to the voice of the Global South. He further welcomed the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20, highlighting that this development reinforces the legitimacy of the group.
Mauritius has utilized this unique opportunity to advocate for the concerns and challenges faced by developing countries, particularly small island developing states. Minister Gobin underscored India’s invaluable contribution to advancing multilateralism and shared prosperity in the Global South.
Regarding South-South cooperation, Gobin noted that initiatives like the India UN-Development Partnership Fund have supported the efforts of many developing countries in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between Mauritius and India, rooted in shared cultural heritage and historical ties, which spans various sectors, including investment infrastructure, trade, culture, education, health, and maritime security.
In conclusion, Minister Gobin’s remarks echoed the sentiment that India’s G20 presidency, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, has made a significant impact on global development by promoting sustainable and inclusive growth while providing a platform for the Global South to have its voice heard on the international stage.
