New Delhi

As India formally assumes the G20 Presidency today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the event offers an opportunity to share India's story with others.

Speaking at the University Connect Programme at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, Jaishankar said there are very good reasons why today's world is taking a much deeper interest in India.

"G20 presidency offers an opportunity to share our story with others, particularly those who may transpose some of our experiences on their performance or challenges," he said at the event.

"It is also the time we become the voice of the Global South."

Underscoring the importance of this juncture, the external affairs minister said this is not a development that should be regarded as just one more diplomatic happening.

"On the contrary, it is a crucial responsibility that is being assumed by India at a very challenging time in world politics and at an inflection point in India's own history," he said.

He added G20 is not just the collective weight of participants, adding the very process of holding it is uniquely impactful.

Great to see students today in the University Connect programme on G20.

Impressed by their interest in and enthusiasm for India’s @g20org Presidency. pic.twitter.com/qzFMTnYKCS

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 1, 2022

Jaishankar noted how about 200 meetings of G20 are taking place in multiple locations across India.

"Given its significance, we would like G20 not to be a Delhi-centric set of events, but one that is hosted and celebrated across the width and the breadth of our country," he stressed.

ALSO READ: India's G20 presidency set to start from today

This University Connect event today saw the virtual participation of students and leading academicians from 75 universities across the country with top leaders, scholars, and academicians.