At G7 Summit, PM Modi Proposes Global Skills Partnership and Connectivity Corridor for Developing Nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an outreach session at the G7 Summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, put forward a series of proposals aimed at fostering economic growth and resilience in the Global South. The session, titled 'Reviving a Balanced, Shared and Sustainable Economic Growth for All,' saw Mr. Modi advocate for a global skills mobility mechanism and an economic corridor inspired by the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Writing on the social media platform X, Mr. Modi suggested exploring similar connectivity projects with countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. The IMEC project, announced in September 2023 at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, has encountered delays due to multiple conflicts in West Asia, including the Gaza-Israel war and more recent hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Mr. Modi proposed the creation of the International Mobilisation Partnership for Accelerating Connectivity and Trade (IMPACT), a mechanism that would pool capital from wealthy G7 nations, talent from India, and ownership from Global South countries. The Prime Minister emphasised the demographic complementarity between ageing societies in developed nations and the young workforce in developing countries, advocating for a Global Skills Partnership to map skills and promote trusted skilled mobility.

Highlighting the prolonged effects of the West Asian crisis on poorer nations, Mr. Modi stated, "The disruptions in fuel, fertiliser and food supply chains caused by the crisis in West Asia will continue to impact the Global South for a considerable period. If we genuinely seek to strengthen international solidarity, the most vulnerable countries should not be left to bear the burden of these crises alone." He urged international financial institutions to design support systems that help these countries absorb economic shocks and maintain resilience.

The outreach session brought together G7 leaders and partner nations to discuss inclusive growth strategies. Mr. Modi's interventions underscored India's role as a voice of the developing world, advocating for collaborative approaches to address shared challenges. The proposals are expected to be further deliberated in multilateral forums, with a focus on concrete implementation pathways.

The Prime Minister's call for a balanced approach to economic growth resonated with many participants, who acknowledged the need for innovative financing models and skills partnerships to unlock the potential of the Global South. The summit concluded with a commitment to explore such initiatives, though specific timelines were not announced.