India vision one world, lotus in G20 logo symbol of hope: PM Modi

“In Indian culture, both the Goddesses of knowledge and prosperity are seated on a lotus. This is what the world needs most today. Shared knowledge that helps us overcome our circumstances. Shared prosperity that reaches the last person at the last mile… This is why, in the G20 logo, the Earth is placed on a lotus too,” Modi said at a video conference.

“The seven petals of the lotus in the logo are also significant. They represent the seven continents. Seven is also the number of notes in the universal language of music. In music, when the seven notes come together, they create a perfect harmony. But each note has its own uniqueness. Similarly, the G20 aims to bring the world together in harmony while respecting diversity,” he said.

India will assume the G20 presidency from the current chair Indonesia on December 1.

Elaborating on the theme, Modi said India is “working on the vision of bringing the whole world together for a common objective, for a better future”.

Logo and theme of India’s G20 Presidency. (YouTube Videograb/Narendra Modi)

He said it will be India’s endeavour that there should not be any “first world or third world”, but “only one world”. “Today, the world is looking towards collective leadership with great hope, whether it be G-7, G-77 or UNGA. In this situation, India’s role as the President of the G20 is very important,” he said.

“India maintains close relations with developed countries on the one hand and at the same time understands the point of view of developing countries very well. It is on this basis that we will build the blueprint of our G20 presidency together with all the friends of the Global South who have been India’s co-travellers on the path of development for decades,” Modi said.

“India, with its mantra of ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’, has called for a renewable energy revolution in the world. India took up a campaign of ‘One World, One Health’ to strengthen global health. Now, in the G20 also, our mantra is One Earth, One Family, One Future. These thoughts and values of India show the way for the welfare of the world,” he said.

Modi said that for India, the G20 summit is not just a diplomatic meeting. India sees it as a new responsibility for itself, he said.

The G20, or Group of 20, is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies, and represents about 85 per cent of the global GDP, over 75 per cent of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

According to an official statement, during its G20 presidency, India will hold about 200 meetings in 32 different sectors in multiple locations across the country.