Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the G20 Summit, called for a coordinated global campaign to dismantle the growing convergence between international drug cartels and terrorist organisations. Stressing that the drug trade has become a major source of terror financing, he proposed a dedicated G20 initiative aimed at jointly targeting trafficking networks, blocking illicit financial flows, and enhancing intelligence cooperation among member states.
Modi described the drug–terror link as a threat that transcends borders, asserting that no nation is immune to its impact. He urged G20 countries to adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach toward narcotics trafficking and warned that the global drug economy fuels instability, organised crime, and radicalisation. According to him, confronting this challenge requires integrated efforts across law enforcement, financial monitoring, and international governance systems.
Alongside the security-focused proposal, the Prime Minister announced the creation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team. This team would consist of medical experts trained to rapidly deploy during pandemics, natural disasters, or other health emergencies. Modi argued that recent global crises have highlighted the need for fast, coordinated medical response capabilities that transcend national boundaries.
He also highlighted development-focused cooperation with Africa, unveiling the G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative. The programme aims to train one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade, who would in turn help skill millions of young people across the continent. Modi said this effort could substantially boost employment generation and long-term economic growth in African nations.
In addition, he pitched the idea of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, which would preserve and promote indigenous practices, particularly in sustainable living, wellness, and healthcare. He emphasised that ancient systems of knowledge can offer modern solutions to global challenges.
Modi concluded by urging G20 leaders to embrace collective responsibility and build frameworks that reinforce global security, resilience, and sustainable development.
