India to raise issues of Global South in the G20 meeting- Indian EAM S Ja

Nicosia: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured that the issues of price and availability of energy, food and fertilisers are a threat to the economy of the countries of the global south. Hence these issues will be on priority for India in the G20 meeting. Jaishankar, while visiting Cyprus, strongly presented India’s position on climate change and carbon emissions.

While on his two-day visit to Cyprus, the Indian External Affairs Minister spoke of the adverse effects of the ongoing war, which has created a major disruption in the supply chain of food and agricultural products. As the world largely depends on smooth supply, the disruption has caused dire consequences. He highlighted the price of edible oil and sugar, which has increased more than 50 per cent. Ukraine conflict has caused overall inflation, and mainly in the soaring energy prices have caused major upheavals globally.

The countries of the Global South are affected by shortages in energy, food and fertilisers, causing adverse impacts on the economies. Jaishankar explained that this is a very serious concern; hence, India will take this up and give high importance to these issues during the G20 conferences. Jaishankar emphasised the need for the supply chain to be smoothly operational for the world.

Along with this, Jaishankar drew attention to the climate change crisis as it was not just a possibility but a reality impacting, and the whole world witnessed the effects. Jaishankar claimed that though India is 17% of the global population, it contributes to only 5% of global carbon emissions. Despite this, India is committed to 100% reduction of carbon emissions.

The Prime Minister of India has categorically expressed concern over the changing lifestyle being the cause of carbon emissions. Jaishankar once again reminded us that India has taken initiatives to set up international organisations such as International Solar Alliance and the ‘Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure to overcome the climate change crisis.

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