Mumbai, Sep 5 (IANS) Emphasising that global trade alone cannot foster a better world, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday urged international stakeholders to build partnerships based on shared human values, cultural exchange, and continuous dialogue.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the second edition of the Global Impact Forum 2026 (GIF) held in Mumbai on Saturday.
Addressing an international assembly, Fadnavis highlighted that while nations differ in culture, tradition, and ideology, universal values unify humanity. “In a fragmented world facing systemic imbalances, nations must identify common ground. True stability and peace will not come solely from commercial deals, but from mutual respect and deep cultural engagement,” he stated.
Connecting the occasion with Shri Krishna Janmashtami, he cited the teachings of Lord Krishna, noting that principles of inclusiveness, righteousness, and truth remain vital for global harmony.
Highlighting India’s ancient ethos, CM Fadnavis noted that the philosophy of “the world is one family” has historically guided India’s interactions with other nations. He pointed out that India historically exported ideas, philosophy, and knowledge alongside trade, citing the peaceful spread of Buddhism across Asia without conflict or military conquest.
The Forum convened diplomats, business leaders, and scholars from BRICS nations—including Brazil’s Consul General Jose Mauro Fonseca Costa Couto, Russia’s Consul General Ivan Fetisov, China’s Consul General Qin Jie, and South Africa’s Consul General Gedion Labane.
The event featured an audio-visual presentation showcasing the cultural parallels between India and Brazil across music, dance, sports, and festivals.
Janhvi Pawar, Director of the Global Impact Forum, outlined the vision of the initiative, emphasising its objective to create long-term strategic and cultural partnerships among BRICS nations.
Commending the organisers of the AP Global Impact Forum, CM Fadnavis concluded by inviting global leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers to leverage such platforms to shape a balanced, prosperous world.
–IANS
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