President to virtually attend 'Voice of Global South Summit' hosted by Indian PM Modi

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will virtually attend the 'Voice of Global South Summit' in India.

Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the two-day summit, which has the theme “Unity of voice, unity of purpose”, and will bring together developing countries on a common platform.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual Voice of Global South Summit on Thursday (12).

The summit will provide a platform to developing countries to present their priorities and challenges related to developmental issues.

The summit envisages 10 sessions, four on Thursday and six on Friday.

Each session is expected to witness the participation of leaders and ministers from 10 to 20 countries.

Modi will chair two sessions for heads of state and government, one each at the start and conclusion of the summit.

The summit is also part of India’s effort to strengthen its credentials as a representative of the Global South.

According to the Hindustan Times, the Indian external affairs ministry said last week that more than 120 countries were being invited to the summit, though there was no clarity on the confirmed participants. It was also unclear whether the Indian side will outline any special initiatives during the summit.

The outcomes of the summit, which India plans to release in the form of a summary of priorities, perspectives, inputs and ideas from the participating leaders, will be channeled into the country’s G20 presidency.

The conference is inspired by India's philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (The world is one family), the Indian Foreign Secretary had said earlier.