NEW DELHI: PM Modi on Saturday called upon G20 countries to remedy the "global trust deficit" caused by the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, and said a unified approach alone could help the world devise solutions to the multiple crises facing it."After Covid-19, a huge crisis of lack of trust has come in the world.

Conflict has deepened it," the PM said in a blunt reference to the divisions that hindered a joint global response to the virus as well as the military confrontation over Ukraine, leading to loss of lives, inflation and a revival of the threat of a nuclear conflagration.The PM made no specific reference to the Ukraine war but for many, the choice of the singular for "conflict" was seen as meant for it; also because Russia's conduct loomed large over the proceedings.Modi, however, expressed confidence the trust deficit could be bridged by partnerships forged in mutual trust that seek to take everyone along and pool the efforts of all.

"Just as we can overcome Covid, we can overcome the crisis of mutual trust.

Today, as the G20 president, India invites the world to come together and, first and foremost, transform the trust deficit into trust and confidence," he said in his opening remarks at the summit.It was a people's presidency, symbol of inclusion, at home and abroad: PMAt the G20 summit on Saturday, PM Modi gave a call for adopting a united approach to jointly deal with global challenges, invoking his mantra of "sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas and sabka prayas"."Whether it's a turbulent global economy, or the North-South divide, or the distance between East and West, management of food, fuel and fertiliser, or dealing with terrorism and cybersecurity, or ensuring health, energy and water security, we must move towards concrete solutions for these challenges, not just for the present but also for future generations," Modi said.The statement came amid deep divisions within the group over the war in Ukraine, with China and Russia taking a position against G7 nations, who are condemning the invasion.

It also brought to fore the global challenges confronting the global economy - from slowdown, food and energy scarcity and the problems accentuated by the war in Ukraine, along with other challenges like climate, energy and water related issues."The 21st century is a time that has the potential to give a new direction to the entire world.

It's a time when years-old challenges demand new solutions from us.

Therefore, we must move forward by fulfilling all our responsibilities with a human-centric approach," Modi said.The government has highlighted several new issues that the G20 leadership needs to deal with, such as reforming multilateral institutions, including the World Bank, so that issues like climate finance for developing countries can be addressed.

In fact, it is a priority for India, along with devising a global framework to address newer challenges such as those posed by crypto assets.Describing India's presidency of G20 as "people's presidency", Modi said it had become a symbol of inclusion both within the country and outside, representing the spirit of "sabka saath" (together with everyone).