New Delhi: At the G7 Outreach Session in Kananaskis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered an address, calling for an end to double standards in addressing global terrorism and emphasising the need for sustainable energy solutions.
“There should be no place for double standards on terrorism… Terrorism is an enemy of humanity. It is against all countries that uphold democratic values. For global peace and prosperity, our thoughts and policies must be clear; if any country supports terrorism, it will have to pay the price for it,” he said.
He directly addressed the hypocrisy of rewarding nations that openly support terrorism, a clear reference to Pakistan’s receipt of substantial financial aid despite its documented history of cross-border terror financing. “On one hand, we are quick to impose all kinds of sanctions based on our own preferences. On the other hand, countries that openly support terrorism are rewarded,” PM Modi in a veiled attack on the countries which shield terrorists.
Modi’s pointed criticism highlighted the discrepancy between the swift imposition of sanctions based on perceived interests and the lenient treatment of states actively supporting terrorism. He declared that any nation supporting terrorism must face consequences, demanding a stronger, more consistent global response to this global threat. His message resonated strongly, given the international community’s inconsistent approach to tackling state-sponsored terrorism.
Beyond the critical issue of terrorism, Modi championed sustainable and green energy pathways as essential for ensuring global energy security. He emphasised India’s role in driving this transition through various global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance.
Modi further emphasised the needs of the Global South, acknowledging their disproportionate vulnerability to global crises affecting food, fuel, fertilizer, and finance.
“Unfortunately, the Global South countries suffer the most from uncertainty and conflicts. They are the first to be hit by crises related to food, fuel, fertilizer, and finance. India considers it its responsibility to bring the priorities and concerns of the Global South to the world stage,” he said.
Addressing the rising field of artificial intelligence, Modi raised concerns about deepfakes and the need for robust measures, such as watermarks or clear declarations, to distinguish AI-generated content from authentic material.
On the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, PM Modi met several world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
During the short trip, he also met Australian PM Anthony Albanese, EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen, Brazilian President Lula and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung, among others.
