NEW DELHI- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday urged parliaments worldwide to come together to combat terrorism and strengthen global consensus on the matter.
Addressing the delegates at the G20 P20 Summit here today PM said the pressing issue of terrorism concerns all and they condemn it in all forms as a threat to humanity.
He noted the ongoing International Convention on Combating Terrorism Conference at the United Nations, highlighting the urgency of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
In his speech, he expounded on India's rich and diverse parliamentary traditions, dating back thousands of years.
He emphasized that the strength of any nation lies in its people and their collective willpower, and India's democracy has been a testament to this enduring strength.
He called for a united front in addressing global challenges, stressing the importance of human-centric thinking and the spirit of "One World, One Family, One Future."
Modi delved into India's historical parliamentary practices, citing the significance of debate and discussion that have been a part of Indian society for millennia.
He pointed out that India's ancient tradition of Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) was a precursor to modern parliamentary systems and that Greek historian Megasthenese had marveled at the system he observed in India.
The Prime Minister also highlighted a remarkable 9th-century Tamil Nadu inscription that detailed the rules and procedures for village legislatures, including the circumstances under which members could be disqualified.
He went on to mention the tradition of Anubhav Mandapa, which existed in India in the 12th century, emphasizing the long-standing culture of debate and discussion.
He emphasized the evolution of parliamentary procedures in India, with continuous improvement and modernization.
He proudly mentioned the 2019 general elections, one of the largest democratic exercises in human history, involving more than 600 million voters.
The impressive 70% turnout among registered voters showcased the trust people have in India's parliamentary practices, and Modi lauded the high participation of women in the elections.
Modi extended an invitation to the P20 delegates to observe the upcoming general elections in India, set to involve an astonishing one billion voters.
He highlighted India's commitment to women's empowerment, with 33% reservation for women in the Assembly and significant representation of women in local self-governance institutions.
The Prime Minister underscored India's incredible diversity, with hundreds of languages, cultures, and media outlets, demonstrating the vibrancy and freedom of speech in the country.
PM Modi pointed out that the festival season was in full swing in India, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and celebration that had been maintained throughout the year.
He drew a parallel between the festive spirit and the successful hosting of the G20 Summit in Delhi and the ongoing P20 Summit, highlighting India's commitment to its role in global cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his confidence that the delegates' stay in India would be both pleasant and productive, with their collective efforts contributing to making the world a better place through debate and delegation.