Prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and expressed his gratitude to all fellow G20 members for their support and cooperation.

Sharing the digital copy of the Declaration, the PM posted on X: “History has been created with the adoption of the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. United in consensus and spirit, we pledge to work collaboratively for a better, more prosperous, and harmonious future. My gratitude to all fellow G20 members for their support and cooperation.”

For the text of the New Delhi Declaration, click here: https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2023/sep/doc202399250001.pdf

Earlier in the day, at the inauguration of the G20 summit, he set the tone of the event in his opening remarks. “At the place where we are gathered today, just a few kilometers away from here, stands a pillar that is nearly two and a half thousand years old. Inscribed on this pillar in the Prakrit language are the words: ‘The welfare and happiness of humanity should always be ensured’,” he told the gathering in Hindi. “Let us begin this G-20 Summit by remembering this message.”

He said the 21st century is a time that has the potential to give a new direction to the entire world. “It's a time when years old challenges demand new solutions from us. Therefore, we must move forward by fulfilling all our responsibilities with a human-centric approach.”

He spoke of a “huge crisis of lack of trust” that has engulfed in the world after Covid-19. “Conflict has deepened this trust deficit.” But, “Just as we can overcome COVID, we can also overcome this crisis of mutual trust.”

Calling for moving towards “concrete solutions for these challenges, not just for the present but also for future generations”, Modi said: “India's G-20 presidency has become a symbol of inclusion, both within the country and beyond, representing the spirit of 'Sabka Saath'. It has become a 'People's G-20’. Millions of Indians have engaged with it.”