Modi Urges Global Shift in Development Goals, Proposes New G20 Initiatives on Drug-Terror Nexus and Health Response

New Delhi/Brasília, November 23, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for a significant overhaul of global development standards and urged G20 members to adopt a more inclusive and sustainable model of growth. Speaking at the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting, he also proposed new international initiatives aimed at tackling the drug-terror nexus, strengthening global health preparedness and preserving traditional knowledge systems.

Modi stressed that the world must “revisit development parameters” and prioritise progress that benefits all sections of society. He said India’s civilisational philosophy, particularly the concept of Integral Humanism, offers a guiding framework for equitable and sustainable development across the globe.

Highlighting the growing threat of narcotics linked to terrorism, Modi proposed a G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus, noting that substances like fentanyl pose a grave danger worldwide. “Let us break the backbone of the drug-terror economy,” he urged.

He also called for the creation of a G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository to safeguard ecological, cultural and community-based practices that promote human well-being. In a post on X, the prime minister said the project would ensure that collective wisdom is passed on for future health and wellness.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to Africa, Modi proposed a G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, emphasising that Africa’s advancement is essential for global stability and growth. He suggested that G20 nations collaborate to train one million certified instructors in Africa over the next decade. Modi also recalled that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency, calling it a milestone in global cooperation.

Underscoring the need for swift coordinated action in crises, Modi proposed forming a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team—a pool of medical specialists from member nations who could be mobilised quickly during major health emergencies or natural disasters.

The prime minister said these initiatives reflect a shared vision of inclusive development, stronger global resilience and deeper cooperation among G20 nations.