Prime Minister Narendra Modi Urges G20 Collaboration in Tackling Corruption at Anti-Corruption Ministerial Summit

Kolkata, August 12, 2023 – In a landmark address, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underscored the imperative for international cooperation in combating corruption during the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet held in Kolkata. Addressing dignitaries from around the world via video message, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a collective effort to eliminate corruption’s far-reaching impacts.

“Greed Prevents Us from Realizing the Truth”

Drawing inspiration from the writings of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Shri Modi cautioned against the corrosive nature of greed, which he stated obstructs the pursuit of truth. He invoked the ancient Indian Upanishads’ principle of ‘Ma Gridha,’ advocating for a world free from the shackles of greed.

“Zero Tolerance Against Corruption”

Prime Minister Modi firmly declared India’s commitment to a policy of zero tolerance against corruption. He highlighted the nation’s utilization of technology and e-governance to foster transparency and accountability in governance. Leakage and inefficiencies in welfare programs and government projects have been decisively addressed, resulting in direct benefit transfers totaling over 360 billion dollars, significantly impacting the lives of millions.

“Sacred Duty of Government”

Shri Modi articulated the belief that the fight against corruption is a sacred duty of governments towards their citizens. Citing the teachings of Kautilya from the ancient text Arthashastra, he emphasized that enhancing state resources is vital for maximizing the welfare of the people. Corruption, he noted, adversely affects the marginalized and hinders resource utilization, market fairness, and service delivery.

“Global Impact Through Enhanced Cooperation”

Prime Minister Modi stressed the pivotal role G20 nations play in the global fight against corruption. He lauded the potential for enhanced international cooperation and the implementation of robust measures to address the root causes of corruption. The Prime Minister urged the G20 to lead by example, advocating for non-conviction-based confiscations to expedite the recovery of foreign assets and ensure the swift return and extradition of criminals.

“Ethics, Integrity, and Administrative Strengthening”

In concluding remarks, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of nurturing a culture of ethics and integrity within societies. He advocated for the strengthening of administrative and legal systems alongside ethical values. By doing so, he asserted, a just and sustainable society can be established.

The G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet witnessed an impassioned call to action by Prime Minister Modi, urging collaborative efforts to combat corruption, foster ethical values, and promote international cooperation. The event marks a significant step towards building a more transparent and equitable global landscape.