Modi pushes Global South access to satellite data at G20: Video
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proposed a "G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership" to strengthen global early-warning systems for natural disasters.
Speaking at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, he argued that better access to space-based data is vital for building resilience, especially in developing nations. “Space technology should benefit all humanity,” he declared, urging G20 partners to make their satellite data more accessible, interoperable and useful for Global South countries.
Modi framed the initiative as a crucial tool not only for disaster risk reduction, but also for development. He highlighted India’s leadership in this area through its Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), emphasising that international cooperation must go beyond reaction to crises — it must support long-term planning and sustainable growth.
The proposal comes alongside his advocacy for fairer climate finance, including debt relief, blended financing and green-transition mechanisms for developing countries. He said that innovative tools like satellite data must be complemented by financial solutions that make the energy transition both ambitious and equitable.
Modi’s pitch at the summit reflects a growing call for space technology to play a central role in global sustainability, offering a way to use cutting-edge science to protect vulnerable populations and empower nations to take a more active role in shaping their own development path.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
