Hyderabad, Nov 13 (TNT): The two-day second Bharat Summit, bringing together nearly 1,000 delegates from around 70 countries, began here on Friday with a call for greater respect for national sovereignty, strategic autonomy, social justice and reforms in international institutions amid changing global political and economic equations.
The summit, hosted by the Telangana Government, brought together political leaders, policymakers, academics and international representatives to deliberate on emerging global challenges, economic inequalities, technological changes and cooperation among developing nations.
The opening plenary on ‘Navigating the New World Order – View from India’ saw former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid underline the continued relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement’s principles in the changing geopolitical landscape.
He said conflicts, rapid technological developments and competition for resources had created uncertainty in international relations, making strategic autonomy, flexibility and independent policy choices essential for countries.
Invoking the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, he called for mutual respect for sovereignty and understanding among nations rather than interference in each other’s affairs.
A major focus of the deliberations was the growing influence of artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure and large technology companies on economies, democratic institutions and everyday life.
IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu said Telangana was seeking to move beyond low-cost technology services towards high-value innovation.
He stressed the need for safeguards for personal data, curbs on excessive market concentration and measures to ensure that artificial intelligence benefited ordinary citizens.
He also highlighted the State’s initiatives to introduce AI education from Class V and train health department personnel to meet the challenges arising from technological transformation.
The session on South-South Cooperation called for stronger representation of developing countries in global decision-making and practical partnerships that could improve living conditions.
Participants highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation among developing nations while safeguarding their economic and political sovereignty.
Discussions on youth and politics stressed the need to provide younger generations with a meaningful role in decision-making, addressing unemployment, access to education, affordable housing and their exclusion from political power.
Climate justice, economic inequality and reforms in multilateral institutions also figured prominently in the international deliberations.
Participants called for greater climate finance and support for vulnerable communities, besides making global institutions more accountable, responsive and effective.
The panel on reform of multilateral institutions emphasised that international agreements should translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Parallel Telangana Rising sessions at HITEX focused on Future City and urbanisation, economic justice, social justice and welfare policies.
Discussions highlighted the need to spread industrial growth beyond Hyderabad, strengthen rural incomes, generate employment and support micro, small and medium enterprises.
The India and the World Expo was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at HICC in the presence of Ministers D Sridhar Babu, Ponnam Prabhakar and Seethakka, among others.
The exhibition showcased Telangana’s handlooms, traditional products and cultural heritage.
The summit will conclude on Saturday with discussions on global justice, peace, accountability, the new world order and the future of media.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi are scheduled to address the valedictory session.
The concluding programme will also include the launch of the Our World Institute and the adoption of a summit resolution.
