New Delhi: Marking the ceremonial transfer of the G20 presidency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday handed over the gavel to Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva who hailed India for giving voice to topics of interests of emerging economies. At the concluding session, Modi handed over the gavel and offered best wishes to Brazil for the presidency. Brazil officially will take over the mantle of the presidency of the elite grouping on December 1 this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Lula da Silva congratulated Modi and thanked India for its efforts to give voice to the topics of interest to emerging economies. Lula da Silva also listed social inclusion, the fight against hunger, energy transition and sustainable development as G20 priorities. He said the UN Security Council needs new developing countries as permanent, non-permanent members to regain political strength.
"We want greater representation for emerging countries at the World Bank and the IMF," he said. Brazil will take over the rotating presidency of the G20 from India on Dec. 1.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday shared a post on X welcoming da Silva, who arrived in the country for the G20 Summit. PM Modi recalled his meeting with the Brazilian President in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the recently held BRICS Summit. India will pass on the presidency of the G20 to Brazil.
“Happy to welcome President @LulaOficial to India. I had met him recently in Johannesburg and I am happy to be getting the opportunity to meet him again at the G20 Summit. His views on various subjects will be eagerly awaited,” PM Modi said. PM Modi had also held bilateral talks with Brazilian President Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in the Japanese city of Hiroshima in May earlier this year.
