Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, is set to embark on a significant two-day official visit to Brazil. The purpose of his journey is to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministerial Meet (FMM), held under the Brazilian chairship in the capital city of Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil’s assumed the G20 Presidency from India on December 1, 2023, and the G20 FMM being the inaugural Ministerial meeting under Brazilian leadership.
Moreover, it is pertinent to note that, against the backdrop of escalating international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict, and tensions in the Red Sea region and Gulf of Aden, the timing of the G20 FMM is crucial. It provides a vital platform for discussions on strengthening the weakening global order and addressing shared concerns among G20 members.
Details of MoS MEA V Muraleedharan Visit
In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was announced that Minister Muraleedharan would represent India at the G20 FMM on February 21-22, 2024. This gathering marks the 10th meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers, highlighting the group’s longstanding commitment to global cooperation and dialogue.
During the FMM sessions, Minister Muraleedharan will advocate India’s stance on key issues, particularly focusing on the G20’s role in addressing ongoing international tensions and advocating for global governance reform. Additionally, he will utilize the opportunity to engage in bilateral meetings with partner countries from the Global South, further strengthening India’s diplomatic relations.
In addition to his participation in the G20 FMM, Minister Muraleedharan will attend the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on February 22, 2024, further underscoring India’s commitment to trilateral cooperation and partnership.
Brazil’s G20 priorities
As a member of the G20 Troika alongside Brazil and South Africa, India has pledged support to Brazil’s G20 priorities, centered around the theme ‘Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet’. These priorities encompass critical issues such as social inclusion, sustainable development, and global governance reforms. Under Brazil’s Presidency, all working groups and mechanisms initiated during India’s G20 Presidency continue, with additional focus areas introduced by Brazil, including the empowerment of women and the establishment of the “Judiciary 20” Engagement Group.
