The Mexico-Republic of India Friendship Group met to discuss issues related to this year’s Group of 20 Summit (G20), of which India is host and Mexico is a member. As Amma’s representative for North and Central America, Swami Dayamritananda Puri visited Mexico’s Parliament to collaborate with members of the country’s lower house, the Chamber of Deputies.

The partnership between the two nations helps maintain a continuous exchange of views on various topics of interest within the spectrum of their bilateral relationship. As Chair of the Friendship Group, Mexico’s Deputy Salvador Caro Cabrera (Movimiento Ciudadano) said that the objective was to promote dialogue with India’s Civil 20 (C20) Engagement Group, of which Amma is Chair.

He explained that since C20’s purpose is to provide a space for civil society organisations (CSOs) around the world to bring their voices to the G20, his country wishes to also extend their contribution in favour of social innovation. He highlighted his conviction that good public activity and politics are not done from the mind, from reason, but from the heart.

"Only from the heart can we understand that we are all one, and when we understand this, kindness and compassion become the motor of the activities of public life and that allows us to make a difference," said Mr. Cabrera.

Swami Dayamritananda indicated that it is the first time a spiritual leader has been appointed as the Chair of C20 and that C20 is an inclusive, transparent, and action-oriented group.

“Amma does not want to propose policies that do not include the experiences of the people and NGOs who work directly with underprivileged communities. Instead, she wants to draw inspiration from innovative NGOs that lead by example in G20 countries,” he said.

“These examples can later be implemented in their respective countries. The group will focus on work topics such as art, culture, transparency, environment, and lifestyle, among others. They will make recommendations to influence public policy."

The Deputy Vice-President of the Friendship Group’s Board of Directors, Marcela Guerra Castillo (Partido Revolucionario Institucional), said that the Friendship Group has produced many results for bilateral understanding. She added that "the opportunity to go to India will be very important for Mexico".

She also emphasised that now it is India's turn to preside over the group of the 20 strongest economies in the world and that the leaders of these countries will discuss problems and seek immediate solutions for the good of all nations, including Mexico.

“This C20 that Amma chairs—what better a woman like her to chair it? Because it is in conjunction with more than 600 civil associations that are going to contribute. The world’s leaders can understand the problems that afflict not only women, but also the poorest, the neediest,” she said.

Deputy Sonia Murillo Manríquez (Partido Acción Nacional) expressed that C20 is beyond economic issues, as they are the basis of many other difficulties today's societies face.

“A more severe problem is water supply and probably our most essential problems are focused on that. So, civil associations play an important role in striking a balance of love and humanity to address it,” she said.

Deputy Lidia García Anaya (Morena) commented that it is an honour to be part of this group that has the opportunity to exchange cultural ideas.

Deputy Julieta Mejía Ibáñez (Movimiento Ciudadano) thanked the Indian embassy representatives for their presence and considered that the visit of the Mexican legislators to India will benefit bilateral relations.

Deputy Inés Parra Juárez (Morena) said that India has several similarities with Mexico: "It will be a pleasure for me to visit this wonderful country."

Deputy María Elena Limón García (Movimiento Ciudadano) mentioned that everyone will be in India with the respect that each of its citizens deserves.

Deputy Lidia Pérez Bárcenas (Morena) considered it important to have clarity on very specific points and issues that will be discussed in the activities during the visit to India. The representative of the Indian Embassy in Mexico, Ms. Shruti Shukla, commented that Amma embodies the true power of love.

"Amma represents the intelligent love that can help us connect and solve the world's most complex problems," she said. She also invited the legislators to the International Women's Day celebration organised by the Cultural Center of India in Mexico City for March 7th.

The Mexico-Republic of India Friendship Group was officially inaugurated March 23, 2022 at the Chamber of Deputies of Mexico. The entity helps maintain lasting contact between the Chamber of Deputies, both countries’ Parliaments, and Indian diplomatic representatives.

Photo 1: The partnership between Mexico and India helps maintain a continuous exchange of views within the spectrum of their bilateral relationship.

Photo 2: Swami Dayamritananda Puri attended the meeting with the Mexico-Republic of India Friendship Group to discuss collaboration with C20.   

Photo 3: Swami Dayamritananda emphasised that with Amma as Chair of C20, it is the first time a spiritual leader has been appointed in the position.

Photo 4: The legislature in Mexico. 

Photo 5: Ms. Shruti Shukla (centre) is the representative of the Indian Embassy in Mexico.