The CNN-News18 G20 Town Hall, held in anticipation of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, celebrated India’s burgeoning prominence on the world stage and its role as a global peacemaker, aptly referred to as ‘Vishwamitra’ or Friend of the World.

The summit, themed ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ explored India’s contribution to the global development agenda, fostering discussions on culture, academics, politics, and collaborative solutions for global challenges, the channel said in a press release.

Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, delivered a compelling address highlighting India’s pivotal position in the global supply chain. He expressed optimism about India’s economic trajectory, stating, “India will be the driving force behind the world’s growth engine in the future, with the under-30 population set to add at least $30 trillion to our GDP by 2053.”

Harsh Vardhan Shringla, G20 Chief Coordinator, noted the shifting global perception of India. He stated, “India’s rising capabilities are evident as we host presidents and prime ministers from the world’s most influential countries.” Shringla emphasized India’s remarkable economic growth journey, moving from the 10th largest economy to the fifth, with ambitions to become the third largest in the world.

European Union’s Ambassador to India, Ugo Astuto, praised India’s G20 Presidency for effectively addressing critical global issues such as climate change, digital transition, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development goals. These initiatives have garnered international attention, particularly from Europe.

Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, underscored India’s role in advancing the growth of the Global South. He highlighted India’s potential to become the voice of developing nations and emerging economies, stating, “80% of this year’s global growth comes from emerging markets, and the future lies in these nations with youthful demographics.”

Meenakshi Lekhi, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture, addressed the ongoing discussion on potentially renaming India to Bharat. She emphasized that these terms are interchangeable and urged against polarization of the issue, stating, “We have wasted a lot of time on this matter.”

The CNN-News18 G20 Town Hall solidified its reputation as a leading platform for academics, influential voices, policymakers, and opinion leaders in India. The channel’s commitment to delivering unbiased news and facilitating informed conversations makes this event an invaluable opportunity for political leaders and viewers alike.

As India gears up to host the G20 Summit, the world is witnessing its emergence as a major global player, poised to contribute significantly to shaping the future of international relations and economic growth.