‘Stalwart Leader of Global South’: Bhutan Foreign Minister Lauds India for G20 Consensus – News18

Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji has lauded India for achieving consensus at the G20 summit, saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi deserves recognition for championing the inclusion of the African Union in the bloc. Speaking at an event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Dorji said the G20 Summit in New Delhi marked a significant milestone with the admission of the African Union as its newest member.

He also acknowledged India’s adept diplomacy in achieving a unanimous consensus on the comprehensive joint declaration during the New Delhoi summit. “I want to congratulate India for the remarkable success of the G20 Summit held recently in New Delhi. This Summit marked a significant milestone with the admission of the African Union as its newest member, ensuring the representation of all 55 African countries within the G20, which was previously limited to South Africa alone. Undoubtedly, PM Narendra Modi deserves recognition for championing the inclusion of the African Union in the G20,” he said.

Dorji noted that PM Modi’s prior proposal for the African Union’s (AU) entry into the bloc laid the foundation for the historic decision. “Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge and commend Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for their adept diplomacy in achieving unanimous consensus on the comprehensive Joint Declaration on the opening day of the Summit, as well as the successful launch of the India Middle East Europe Corridor,” the minister said.

Terming India’s ties with the Global South as “dynamic and multifaceted,” the minister said that India has robust bilateral ties with numerous nations in the Global South and places significant emphasis on South-South cooperation. “This cooperative approach involves collaborations among these nations to foster mutual development through various forums and initiatives. India also extends technical assistance and concessional loans to support development projects in partner countries. The Vaccine Maitri Initiative, which was one of the biggest humanitarian initiatives undertaken by India, has provided covid vaccines to nearly 100 countries around the world,” he added.

Dorji highlighted how the India-Bhutan partnership serves as a “remarkable example” of strong bilateral ties in the Global South. Tandi Dorji said that India’s constructive role has not only boosted Bhutan’s economy but also enhanced its energy security. “The enduring partnership between Bhutan and India serves as a remarkable example of strong bilateral relations in the Global South. Rooted in shared values and historical ties, this partnership spans various sectors, including trade, education and development,” he said.

Underlining India’s consistent support for Bhutan’s socioeconomic development, he said New Delhi’s role has not only boosted Bhutan’s economy but also enhanced regional energy security. The minister described India as a “stalwart leader” of the Global South. Praising New Delhi for its “stewardship” of the G20 Presidency, Bhutan’s foreign minister said that New Delhi has played a pivotal role in advocating the concerns and interests of the developing countries.