World will need a new template of globalisation post COVID-19: PM Narendra Modi

The video-conference was attended by over 30 other Heads of States and governments and other leaders, including from member states in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, and Europe.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said Modi’s participation at the summit of NAM Contact Group underlined India’s longstanding commitment to the principles and values of the bloc as one of its leading founding-member.

Talking about India’s global role in providing assistance, the prime minister said it has provided medical supplies to over 123 partner countries, including 59 members of NAM, notwithstanding its domestic requirement.

“To retain this role, NAM must remain inclusive,” Modi said. In his address, the prime minister said the world needs to promote human welfare, and not only focus on economic growth alone.

“COVID-19 has shown us the limitations of the existing international system. In the post-COVID world, we need a new template of globalization, based on fairness, equality, and humanity,” he said.

Modi said NAM should call upon the international community and the World Health Organisation to focus on building health-capacity in developing countries.

“We should develop a platform for all NAM countries, to pool our experiences, best practices, crisis management protocols, research, and resources,” he said.

The summit was also addressed by the President of the UN General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad Bande, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, African Union Chairperson Musa Faki Mahamat, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and Director General of the World Health Organization Tedros Ghebreyesus.

Following the summit, the leaders adopted a declaration underlining the importance of international solidarity in the fight against COVID-19.

Leaders also announced the creation of a ‘task force’ to identify the needs and requirements of member states through the establishment of a common database reflecting their basic medical, social, and humanitarian needs in the fight against the pandemic, the MEA said.