Veteran Indian actor Waheeda Rahman has been declared the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year. The announcement was made by the Indian Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur. She will be conferred with the country's top honour for her contributions to the field of Cinema.

Actor Waheeda Rehman to receive Dadasahed Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award

The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China.&nbsp;He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamsala.

The discussion&nbsp;took place before a demanding series of visits&nbsp;across India, which include planned visits to Sikkim, Karnataka, and Bodh Gaya in Bihar later this year, reported the Hindu.

The Dalai Lama reiterated his previous conciliatory statements, but China has consistently rejected these remarks, accusing the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile in India since 1959, of promoting separatism and being a "splittist."

Addressing the altitude challenges faced by many visitors to Tibet, the Dalai Lama shared, "China is also now changing... I think many people [in Tibet] love me... similarly many Chinese love me... and so they want me to go back [to Tibet]. But I do not want to stay there. Lhasa is very high…Dharamshala’s height is very suitable for my physical condition now." His statement marks the practical considerations of living in Tibet's high-altitude environment, which can be physically demanding, particularly for the aged.

Also watch |&nbsp;Indian govt: New China's map show Indian state within Chinese border

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<h2>Spiritual roots in India</h2>

The Dalai Lama's spiritual journey is a tale of two homelands. Paying homage to the ancient seat of Buddhist teachings in India, he remarked, "I was born in Tibet, but my spiritual knowledge is from here, from Nalanda in India." He went on to say, "So half my body is from here at least," highlighting the profound influence that India has had on his spiritual growth.

Despite his age, the Dalai Lama continues to connect with the public. He has been actively meeting people daily during the post-COVID period, extending his greetings to crowds from his golf cart and receiving the reverence of countless Buddhist devotees and international visitors who come to pay their respects.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-academics-call-for-tibet-to-be-known-as-xizang-to-reconstruct-image-626677">Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image</a>

<h2>Upcoming engagements and diplomatic sensitivities</h2>

According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), responsible for overseeing the Tibetan exile population, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to commence daily teachings in Dharamshala from October 2, reported The Hindu.&nbsp;

Later, he plans to depart for Gangtok on October 10, where he will engage in discourses near the Chinese border and the Doklam plateau, a region that witnessed a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2017. This year, he also spent a month in Ladakh, a routine practice for him.

Furthermore, the Dalai Lama is set to travel to Bylakuppe in Karnataka, which is home to the second-largest Tibetan refugee settlement after Dharamshala. During this visit, he is expected to be joined by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama.

<h2>China's ongoing concerns</h2>

China has previously expressed its objections to the Dalai Lama's interactions with senior US&nbsp;officials, consistently protesting against what it perceives as contacts between "external forces" and "Tibetan Independence" advocates. This includes a recent meeting between the Dalai Lama and the US&nbsp;Under Secretary for Civilian Security, democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, who also holds the position of US&nbsp;Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China.

The Dalai Lama said in a latest discussion with reporters at his residence in Dharamshala that Tibetans are seeking greater autonomy rather than political separation from China. He expressed his desire to eventually visit Lhasa but indicated his preference to continue living in India's Dharamsala. The discussion took place before a demanding series of visits across India, which include planned visits to Sikkim, Karnataka, and Bodh Gaya in Bihar later this year, reported the Hindu. The Dalai Lama reiterated his previous conciliatory statements, but China has consistently rejected these remarks, accusing the Dalai Lama, who has been in exile in India since 1959, of promoting separatism and being a "splittist." Addressing the altitude challenges faced by many visitors to Tibet, the Dalai Lama shared, "China is also now changing... I think many people [in Tibet] love me... similarly many Chinese love me... and so they want me to go back [to Tibet]. But I do not want to stay there. Lhasa is very high…Dharamshala’s height is very suitable for my physical condition now." His statement marks the practical considerations of living in Tibet's high-altitude environment, which can be physically demanding, particularly for the aged. Also watch | Indian govt: New China's map show Indian state within Chinese border Spiritual roots in India The Dalai Lama's spiritual journey is a tale of two homelands. Paying homage to the ancient seat of Buddhist teachings in India, he remarked, "I was born in Tibet, but my spiritual knowledge is from here, from Nalanda in India." He went on to say, "So half my body is from here at least," highlighting the profound influence that India has had on his spiritual growth. Despite his age, the Dalai Lama continues to connect with the public. He has been actively meeting people daily during the post-COVID period, extending his greetings to crowds from his golf cart and receiving the reverence of countless Buddhist devotees and international visitors who come to pay their respects. Also read | Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image Upcoming engagements and diplomatic sensitivities According to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), responsible for overseeing the Tibetan exile population, the Dalai Lama is scheduled to commence daily teachings in Dharamshala from October 2, reported The Hindu. Later, he plans to depart for Gangtok on October 10, where he will engage in discourses near the Chinese border and the Doklam plateau, a region that witnessed a standoff between Indian and Chinese soldiers in 2017. This year, he also spent a month in Ladakh, a routine practice for him. Furthermore, the Dalai Lama is set to travel to Bylakuppe in Karnataka, which is home to the second-largest Tibetan refugee settlement after Dharamshala. During this visit, he is expected to be joined by former US President Barack Obama. China's ongoing concerns China has previously expressed its objections to the Dalai Lama's interactions with senior US officials, consistently protesting against what it perceives as contacts between "external forces" and "Tibetan Independence" advocates. This includes a recent meeting between the Dalai Lama and the US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, who also holds the position of US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tibetans seek autonomy, not political separation from China: Dalai Lama

Sri Lanka handpicked India. The nation extended its support to India over its ongoing conflict with Canada. Sri Lankan diplomats voiced their concern over the India-Canada row.

India-Canada row: Sri Lanka backs India over Canada's allegations of killing Khalistani Terrorist

The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, on Monday issued a Red Corner Notice against Karanvir Singh, a member of the banned terrorist group Babbar Khalsa International. Meanwhile, there's a big crackdown on Khalistani terrorists in India more than 264 raids were conducted in the state of Punjab, India.

India crackdown on Khalistani terrorists: Punjab police conducts raids at 264  locations in state

Renowned British economist, Jim O’Neill is known for coining the acronym 'BRIC'. He praised New Delhi for hosting the G20 summit, calling it a huge diplomatic victory for India. O’Neill who serves as the senior adviser at UK's think tank spoke to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Siddhant Sibbal. Watch ahead to know more.

'India emerged as credible global voice of the South' says economist Jim O'Neill

The Army Chiefs of India and the US have underscored the importance of partnerships between the two forces to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, both the general stressed that ties between the two armies are growing strong.

Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs' meet: Delegates from 30 nations participate in meet

According to two government sources who spoke to Reuters, India is thinking of investing 600 billion rupees ($7.2 billion) over the next five years to offer subsidized loans for modest urban dwellings. Ahead of significant state elections later this year and the national elections scheduled for mid-2024, banks are expected to implement the program in the coming months. The South Asian nation reduced household cooking gas prices by almost 18% last month in an effort to control inflation before elections.

India moves to make 'housing for all' a reality

Tech giant apple is making significant strides in India as it sets its sights on scaling up production in the country. According to government sources, the company is planning to increase its production value to a staggering 40 billion dollars over the next 4-5 years.

Apple to scale up India production to $40 billion

Women in India are far more likely to seek jobs if the salaries of their husbands keep rising from approximately Rs 40,000 per month. Here's what a new study has found.

Gravitas: Indian women seek employment as husbands' incomes rise | What new study reveals?

India is cracking down on Khalistan sympathisers. The centre plans to scrap the OCI cards of 19 individuals. It is also confiscating the properties of Khalistan terrorists. Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: India to cancel OCI cards of 19 Khalistan sympathizers

Amid diplomatic tensions with India, Canada has invited another controversy. On Sunday, the speaker of Canada's House of Commons had to issue an apology amid outrage after a Nazi war veteran was given a standing ovation. The incident invited massive backlash from Jewish groups, as well as the opposition party. PM Justin Trudeau was criticised for honouring a Ukrainian veteran of a Nazi Division.

Gravitas: After Khalistan row, Trudeau embarrassed as Canadian parliament honours Nazi war veteran

In the midst of growing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the federal anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) of India has announced that they will seize the properties of nineteen additional terrorists from Khalistani who are on the run.

India-Canada Diplomatic Row | NIA to seize properties of 19 more Khalistani extremists: Report

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while speaking on Saturday evening during an event here at ‘South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas’, said that economically dominant countries are leveraging production capabilities and those countries who have institutional influence have weaponized these capabilities.

Further, citing the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister also stressed that "it is still a world of double standards."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-cancel-dozens-of-oci-cards-in-crackdown-on-khalistani-activities-report-639289">India to cancel dozens of OCI cards in crackdown on Khalistani activities: Report</a>

"There is a growing sentiment in the world and the Global South in a way embodies it. But there’s also political resistance. Those occupying positions of influence are resisting pressure to change", said EAM Jaishankar during the event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, United Nations India and the Reliance Foundation.

"They will mouth the right things, but the reality is still today, it’s a world very much of double standards," he added.

Speaking about the Global South and India’s G20 Presidency, Jaishankar highlighted how India was ‘the voice of the Global South’ and how it steered the global conversation back to global growth and development issues by getting the G20 to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, the real problem of the G20.&nbsp;

“To get the G20, to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, that was the real problem with the G20. Our Prime Minister put it very well, he said first let’s talk to the people who are not going to be on the table. Let’s find out what they have to say. This is why, we were the voice of the Global South. I think it gave us the basis to say, look we have spoken to 125 countries and this is really what is troubling them and that is why we need to focus on this issue”, said Jaishankar.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-meets-counterparts-from-armenia-bosnia-and-herzegovina-on-sidelines-of-unga-639261">Jaishankar meets counterparts from Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina on sidelines of UNGA</a>

“I think there's clearly a sense of history. There is much of the Global South coming from a world that was colonized. There is a sense of geography. Not all countries in the South are part of the Global South. And, I think there's also the mindset. So, the Global South is an expression, in a way, of a certain solidarity and generosity and sort of a sharing spirit community. I think if you're part of the Global South, you know it," he added.

Talking further, the Minister also said that the Global South ate less wheat and more millets. 
“In the name of the market a lot of things are done, like in the name of freedom a lot of things are done,” said EAM Jaishankar.

In his Europe’s mindset comment from last year, where he said that “Europe’s problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems”, EAM Jaishankar said that "particular statement had a particular context" while also listing five big problems which is troubling the entire world.

<h2>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-canada-diplomatic-row-decoding-the-intel-on-nijjars-killing-639310">India-Canada Diplomatic Row: Decoding the 'intel' on Nijjar's killing</a></h2>

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“That particular statement had a particular context. If you look at what happened at the G20, part of the challenge in the G20 was actually to get the G20 to focus on, I mean anybody who travels around the world will tell you, list five big problems which are troubling the entire world. People will say debt, SDG resourcing, climate action resourcing, digital access, and I would say it could be nutrition, gender,” said EAM Jaishankar.

“If you look between SDGs redevelopment, woman-led development, the digital public infrastructure, these are actually going to be the issues determined to the global progress of the next decade. Why I said this, I must also recognise, at the G20, that slot of European countries and other G20 nations, you know once you kind of reason with them and focus on them, I think everybody came on board. So, it took a country or a set of countries really to make that effort and bring the global conversation back on track,” he added.

Referring to the full consensus achieved by the New Delhi Declaration, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that many people were surprised when India was able to get everybody together. 
“On the G20 Summit, a lot of folks were still surprised that we actually got everybody together. I don’t think they completely expected that. So there will be one set of people who are still wondering how that happened”, said EAM.

“The other part, which I think includes some people with me here now has appreciated that we got the G20 to focus on the Global South and that the job for which the G20 was created, which was global growth and development, we got them to refocus on it and with particular attention to the Global South. We did that partly by organizing a Global South summit in advance,” he added.&nbsp;

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while speaking on Saturday evening during an event here at ‘South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas’, said that economically dominant countries are leveraging production capabilities and those countries who have institutional influence have weaponized these capabilities.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar while speaking on Saturday evening during an event here at ‘South Rising: Partnerships, Institutions and Ideas’, said that economically dominant countries are leveraging production capabilities and those countries who have institutional influence have weaponized these capabilities. Further, citing the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister also stressed that "it is still a world of double standards." Also Read | India to cancel dozens of OCI cards in crackdown on Khalistani activities: Report "There is a growing sentiment in the world and the Global South in a way embodies it. But there’s also political resistance. Those occupying positions of influence are resisting pressure to change", said EAM Jaishankar during the event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, United Nations India and the Reliance Foundation. "They will mouth the right things, but the reality is still today, it’s a world very much of double standards," he added. Speaking about the Global South and India’s G20 Presidency, Jaishankar highlighted how India was ‘the voice of the Global South’ and how it steered the global conversation back to global growth and development issues by getting the G20 to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, the real problem of the G20. “To get the G20, to talk about what the world wanted to talk about, that was the real problem with the G20. Our Prime Minister put it very well, he said first let’s talk to the people who are not going to be on the table. Let’s find out what they have to say. This is why, we were the voice of the Global South. I think it gave us the basis to say, look we have spoken to 125 countries and this is really what is troubling them and that is why we need to focus on this issue”, said Jaishankar. Also Read | Jaishankar meets counterparts from Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina on sidelines of UNGA “I think there's clearly a sense of history. There is much of the Global South coming from a world that was colonized. There is a sense of geography. Not all countries in the South are part of the Global South. And, I think there's also the mindset. So, the Global South is an expression, in a way, of a certain solidarity and generosity and sort of a sharing spirit community. I think if you're part of the Global South, you know it," he added. Talking further, the Minister also said that the Global South ate less wheat and more millets. “In the name of the market a lot of things are done, like in the name of freedom a lot of things are done,” said EAM Jaishankar. In his Europe’s mindset comment from last year, where he said that “Europe’s problems are the world’s problems but the world’s problems are not Europe’s problems”, EAM Jaishankar said that "particular statement had a particular context" while also listing five big problems which is troubling the entire world. Watch | India-Canada Diplomatic Row: Decoding the 'intel' on Nijjar's killing × “That particular statement had a particular context. If you look at what happened at the G20, part of the challenge in the G20 was actually to get the G20 to focus on, I mean anybody who travels around the world will tell you, list five big problems which are troubling the entire world. People will say debt, SDG resourcing, climate action resourcing, digital access, and I would say it could be nutrition, gender,” said EAM Jaishankar. “If you look between SDGs redevelopment, woman-led development, the digital public infrastructure, these are actually going to be the issues determined to the global progress of the next decade. Why I said this, I must also recognise, at the G20, that slot of European countries and other G20 nations, you know once you kind of reason with them and focus on them, I think everybody came on board. So, it took a country or a set of countries really to make that effort and bring the global conversation back on track,” he added. Referring to the full consensus achieved by the New Delhi Declaration, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that many people were surprised when India was able to get everybody together. “On the G20 Summit, a lot of folks were still surprised that we actually got everybody together. I don’t think they completely expected that. So there will be one set of people who are still wondering how that happened”, said EAM. “The other part, which I think includes some people with me here now has appreciated that we got the G20 to focus on the Global South and that the job for which the G20 was created, which was global growth and development, we got them to refocus on it and with particular attention to the Global South. We did that partly by organizing a Global South summit in advance,” he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'It is still a world of double standards': EAM Jaishankar takes dig at ‘dominant’ nations

Studies carried out in India have shown that a woman is far more likely to pursue formal employment herself if her mother-in-law is employed. According to the study, when the mother-in-law works, daughter-in-laws are 70% more likely to work in urban households and 50% more likely to work in rural areas.

How Covid-19 boosted women workforce | Details

Canada reportedly took India's name after receiving pertinent information from American spy services in the Khalistani terrorist Nijjar's death row. Watch to know more.

India-Canada Diplomatic Row: Decoding the 'intel' on Nijjar's killing

The Diplomatic row that started with Canada alleging India's role in the murder of a khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar shows no signs of easing. The Canadian Prime Minister made the accusations against India publicly but Six Days on Canada has yet to provide any evidence to back those claims resulting in strained ties between the two countries. To know more watch this interview with economist Jim O'Neill.

PM Trudeau: Canada shared intelligence on the murder with India weeks ago

The Diplomatic row that started with Canada alleging India's role in the murder of a khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar shows no signs of easing. The Canadian Prime Minister made the accusations against India publicly but Six Days on Canada has yet to provide any evidence to back those claims resulting in strained ties between the two countries. To know more watch this interview with the President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, Phil Gurski.

India-Canada standoff | Report: NIA to seize properties of 19 more Khalistani extremists

The Diplomatic row that started with Canada alleging India's role in the murder of a khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar shows no signs of easing. The Canadian Prime Minister made the accusations against India publicly but Six Days on Canada has yet to provide any evidence to back those claims resulting in strained ties between the two countries.

US Envoy: Shared intel from Five Eyes informed Trudeau of possible India hand

Echoing India's concerns the United States is learned to have raised concerns about the upcoming visit of the Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 to Colombo, Sri Lanka which India believes is a surveillance vessel and not a research vessel.

India fears 'Chinese Spy Vessel' in Sri Lanka may raise security issues

Apple will invest 40 billion dollars in India over the next five years to know more visit WION's Facebook page.

Apple to invest $40 BN in India over the next few years: Report

India-Canada standoff | Rajnath Singh inaugurates drone exhibition

Renowned British economist Jim O'Neill, known for coining the BRIC acronym, has commended India's hosting of the G20 summit, calling it a substantial diplomatic victory for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Renowned British economist Jim O'Neill, known for coining the BRIC acronym, has commended India's hosting of the G20 summit, calling it a substantial diplomatic victory for India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to WIONs diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, O'Neill, who currently serves as a senior adviser at Chatham House reflected on the unique ability of New Delhi to foster strong relations with both Western powers and emerging economies. However, he also expressed disappointment over the expansion of BRICS and the recent Canada-India tug-of-war that threatens to undo the good work of the G20 Summit. Sidhant Sibal: What do you think about the BRICS grouping? Jim O'Neill: I think we have to think about differently in terms of the economics, the geopolitics. Obviously, when I created the acronym, which is now just over 22 years ago, it was completely based on economic ideas. Although I did suggest because of it, each of the four big BRIC countries Brazil, Russia, India, and China should become part of what I then described as an expanded G7- at the same time as the Euro members, Germany, France and Italy consolidating to just one. So it would effectively be something like a G8 to G9. But the main thing that I was focused on was the rising share of global GDP that each of the four BRIC countries would likely achieve in the coming decades. And of course, China, in particular, in a similar way, although not on the same scale. China and India have become much bigger, although Brazil and Russia have been especially since the start of the second decade of the acronym very disappointing, so much so that their weight in global GDP is actually back to where it was in 2001. And South Africa, whilst it's a very interesting country geopolitically, of course, very interesting with Africa, economically, it's not a particularly important country. It's not even the biggest country in the continent of Africa. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the expansion of the BRICS grouping? Jim O'Neill: I am disappointed by it, for a number of reasons, but there are three basic ones. First of all, since they became a political grouping in 2009-10, the BRICS leaders have not really achieved anything. Partly because of their own differences, which perhaps we'll discuss more is particularly true of course, between India and China, but they don't seem to have gotten beyond this very powerful symbolism as being a group that doesn't involve the US and is constantly bemoaning their lack of representation in global governance. The second reason is there was no objective guidance as to why, for example, in Africa, Ethiopia and Egypt became members and a country that is much more important, strategically, economically, and demographically, Nigeria was not and why, in Latin America, not Mexico, but Argentina, and it seems like a very ramshackle group of cultures that were chosen rather than any real strategic obvious ways. And then the third reason is simple one is that if you expand any group of countries, as you see with G20, the more you add, the harder it becomes. So I'm not quite sure other than there's really big symbolism, quite what the expanded BRICS is supposed to be trying to achieve. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India and China's worsening ties impacting BRICS dynamics? Jim O'Neill: I think it itself undermines anything the BRICS countries may try and achieve. And in fact, as I wrote something last week, about the G-20 meeting that was successfully hosted by Modi. I think it was a major diplomatic mistake of President Xi to not personally attend the G20. It was only two weeks after the BRICS meeting, he appeared to as did the Chinese media making huge amounts of propaganda about how important it was that he didn't even have the courtesy of turning up to a G20 meeting hosted by a fellow BRICS country, and they obviously suggest that the relationship between China and India is not good. So how can the BRICS group achieve anything when its two most important members don't really seem to agree on virtually anything of mutual importance? Other than this symbolism, they both independently like to claim that the leader of the Global South. Watch | From G20 to Italy leaving BRI: Are nations abandoning China? × Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the outcomes of the G20 summit, the joint statement...diplomatically a win.. Jim O'Neill: Well, it was, but of course, the disputes with Canada are threatening to overshadow what appeared to be quite a very successful, diplomatic success for Modi. In the background of the G20, and because of Russia, but also because of the growing and worrying disputes between the US and China, many people myself included, were worried that the G20 would struggle to function. In fact, there were some fears that would not even be a communique at this G20. But not only was there a very long communique, but also, of course, it was a very, very interesting decision to add the African Union to make it effectively a G21. And I think there was obviously some very clever diplomacy going on between senior G20 Sherpas in Washington and New Delhi, which made all of that possible. And in my opinion, I really welcome that because I do believe the G20 is the right forum to deal with truly, truly global issues of today because especially now with the African Union in there, you have over 85 per cent of global GDP and vast amounts of the world's population represented whereas in the expanded BRICS, or the G7 you don't have either. Sidhant Sibal: Personally for PM Modi how big the diplomatic victory was? Jim O'Neill: Well, I think it was a huge diplomatic victory, and it tended to suggest that Modi treats the G20 more seriously than he treats the BRICS group. But it also suggests that India has this very, very clever ability to navigate good relationships with the West, as well as good relationships with the so-called emerging world, and manage to navigate the very difficult global geopolitical situation between the US and China. I must say if it would not have been for the dispute with Canada, which does threaten to overshadow all of this, it would have been a great successful moment. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India being the voice of the global south, and this at a time when China is also trying to achieve that? Jim O'Neill: I mean, I think it's impossible for China to disappear as a voice on anything. China over the past 25 years, has been the single biggest contributor to global GDP growth, more than the United States. And there are not any particular markets in the world whether it be commodities or tourism, or anything that the Chinese don't have a major impact on. And that's true about global diplomacy and of course, China's own voice ever sings itself, the leader of the Global South. I think we will continue with this slightly strange, almost competitive situation where each of China and India regards themselves as the leader of the Global South, which frankly, will become more and more interesting. Also read | Explained: Balancing act or anti-West pivot? India’s choices at the BRICS summit As each of these countries becomes bigger and of course, because of each of their dynamics, it is probably the case that over the next decade, India will grow by more than China. And India by the end of this decade will probably become at least as big if not bigger than Germany and get close to being the third-largest economy ahead of Japan. This means India's stance on many of these issues, including being the voice of the Global South, will become more and more credible. But China's not going away anywhere soon. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India diplomatically weighing as its economic size grows? Jim O'Neill: I mean, I think if you look through long history, and I'm not a particular expert on these issues but casual observation suggests that countries that get bigger, become more and more important in global affairs, including diplomacy. So we already see it and in fact, probably the whole reason why the United States was very eager to support Modi in having a successful G20 is the recognition of India's growing importance already. India in the past two years has become bigger than France and the UK has to be the fifth largest economy in the world. And as it gets to be the third largest, it is going to become more important, in all of these issues around the world. Sidhant Sibal: You mention Canada, how do you see India-Canada ties faring.. Jim O'Neill: I'm very reluctant to comment on that because it's not something I am particularly an expert on or have inside knowledge or expertise. But obviously, it looks like the Canadians feel very, very upset by it and I was just reading something this morning about how they've shared their intelligence with with Western allies. So we will have to see how this dispute develops. And it might well be a bit of a challenge as to how Mr Modi presents his own position on this issue because obviously, along with becoming a bigger voice also means you have to take greater accountability and responsibility for your position on what many many countries regard as the right principles as you go forward. So it's something that Mr Modi and his advisors are going to have to think about very carefully. Sidhant Sibal: Which is the group, you will be willing to place your money on.. Jim O'Neill: Easy for me, the G20. Even though all of these different bodies have great difficulties being fruitful in this complex modern world. I think the G7 nor the BRICS are in the slightest bit capable of being globally influential. I think the G20, because effectively, it is an amalgamation of the BRICS as it was before it expanded on the G7 is a very, very sensible grouping, which is of sufficiently small numbers, compared to the UN, where it can really deal with big global issues, whether they be economic growth, economic fairness, global climate change, infectious disease prevention and so on. And I think we saw some of that in the New Delhi statements. It's very much a relief after a few years where the G20 became almost dysfunctional that it seems to be back on some kind of track. And in fact, if the G20 can carry on that position, then it might in itself, be able to help the UN become a little more, a bit more functional than it seems to be but the UN is a very, very complex organization in trying to get things done that it represents. Sidhant Sibal: Any more acronyms you working on? Jim O'Neill: I just like to say that there were only two acronyms that were truly created. One was the BRIC and the other was the N11 or the next 11. What you read about other acronyms I suppose they created were effectively created on the back of just articles I wrote and somebody somewhere in the global media created that acronym and claimed it was me. So that was a phase of three or four years of slightly acronym madness, and I joked to a couple of people I know well, in the international diplomatic circles that after this BRICS expansion, perhaps the reason if there was a logic as to why they chose the countries is it was impossible to create an acronym in English out of them. But I won't be rushing to create anymore because I think the BRICS world lives on. And if they are going to expand in the future, it probably will come from members of the next 11 largest emerging nations like Indonesia. Maybe Mexico maybe Turkey...who knows WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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