Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Outreach Session on “Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity” at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, highlighting the importance of trust-based cooperation and global partnership in an interdependent and uncertain world.

At the session, the Prime Minister shared the fact that energy, food, health, cyber and economic security are deeply interconnected and stressed that no partnership is an option in this context, but necessity. He warned that trade and technology were increasingly being used to serve narrow interests and this was resulting in a growing lack of confidence in the world. He called for transparency, trust and the establishment of global partnerships in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi pointed out India's philosophy on international cooperation continued to be “humanity first.” He highlighted the initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa ke Naam as evidence of India's inclusive and sustainability-centric approach to the world.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India's role as a first responder in the event of natural calamity in the world citing assistance provided to countries such as Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Mozambique and Jamaica during cyclones, earthquakes and floods. Referring to India's development philosophy of “Sarv Jan Hitaye, Sarv Jan Sukhaye”, Modi said, India has made significant progress in the areas of financial inclusion, healthcare access, digital identity and women-led development.

He also called for a transition from the donor-recipient model to a model of partnerships based on solidarity and mutual ownership in international cooperation. Modi emphasised that by adhering to international law, we can regain global trust and that dialogue and diplomacy should continue to be at the heart of peace and stability in the world.