New Delhi: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi “termed the Covid-19 pandemic as an important turning point in history of humanity and the biggest challenge the world is facing since the World War II,” said the External Ministry in a statement. Modi in his address in the 15^th edition of the G20 Summit said on Saturday, he called for decisive action by G20, not limited to economic recovery, jobs and trade, but to focus on preserving Planet Earth noting that all of us are trustees of humanity’s future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the 15th edition of the G20 Summit, chaired by Saudi Arabia this year. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump were among the world leaders who joined PM Modi via video conferencing to discuss global impact of the Covid- 19 pandemic. Modi said in a tweet “Had a very fruitful discussion with G20 leaders. Coordinated efforts by the largest economies of the world will surely lead to faster recovery from this pandemic. Thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the Virtual Summit”.

Modi also said that “We offered India’s IT prowess to further develop digital facilities for efficient functioning of the G20… Transparency in our processes helps in inspiring our societies to fight crisis collectively and with confidence. Spirit of trusteeship towards planet Earth will inspire us for a healthy and holistic lifestyle”. King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, the host of the two-day summit, in his opening remarks, talked about “affordable and equitable access” to anti-Covid-19 tools, including vaccines in development.

“Although we are optimistic about the progress made in developing vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics tools for Covid-19, we must work to create the conditions for affordable and equitable access to these tools for all people,” he said. “We have a duty to rise to the challenge together during this summit and give a strong message of hope and reassurance to our people by adopting policies to mitigate this crisis,” he added. Talking about the global economy, severely damaged by the Covid- 19 pandemic, King Salman appealed to the world leaders to “reopen economies and borders to facilitate the mobility of trade and people”. “We must provide support to the developing countries in a coordinated manner to maintain the development already achieved over the past decades,” he added.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said the focus of the summit would be on “an inclusive, resilient and sustainable recovery from the Covid-19”. According to the Foreign Ministry sources Modi called for a new Global Index for the Post-Corona World that comprises four key elements – creation of a vast Talent Pool; ensuring that Technology reaches all segments of the society; Transparency in systems of governance; and dealing with Mother Earth with a spirit of Trusteeship.