Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant three-day visit to South Africa to participate in the first-ever G20 Leaders' Summit being hosted on the African continent. The historic trip, which began on Friday, marks a crucial moment in global diplomacy as world leaders gather in Johannesburg from November 21 to 23.
Historic First for African Continent
This G20 summit represents a landmark achievement as the first time the prestigious gathering is being held in Africa. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of this occasion in his departure statement, noting that he will present India's perspective at the Summit aligned with the vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'One Earth, One Family, One Future'.
This visit marks PM Modi's fourth official trip to South Africa, following his bilateral visit in 2016 and attendance at BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023. The current summit continues the consecutive G20 leadership by Global South nations, with South Africa taking over from previous presidencies held by Brazil (2024), India (2023), and Indonesia (2022).
Summit Agenda and India's Participation
The G20 summit under South Africa's presidency carries forward the theme of 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability' established during previous summits in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to speak in all three sessions of the summit, covering critical global issues:
Session 1: Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth will focus on building economies, trade's role, development financing, and addressing debt burdens while ensuring no one is left behind.
Session 2: A Resilient World will examine the G20's contribution to disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, and food systems.
Session 3: A Fair and Just Future for All will tackle emerging challenges in critical minerals, decent work opportunities, and artificial intelligence governance.
Bilateral Engagements and IBSA Summit
On the sidelines of the G20 summit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders present in Johannesburg. According to Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER) of the Ministry of External Affairs, the government is in the process of organizing these important diplomatic engagements.
The Prime Minister will also participate in the sixth IBSA Summit, bringing together leaders from India, Brazil, and South Africa. This trilateral forum represents three major democracies from different continents with shared development goals.
Secretary Dalela highlighted that India and South Africa, as democracies, cooperate across three pillars, with political cooperation being fundamental. He emphasized that issues important to the Global South remain at the center of G20 discussions, continuing the momentum from India's presidency.
The African Union, which gained permanent G20 membership during India's 2023 presidency, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the summit's outcomes. The G20 forum represents 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade, making its decisions crucial for worldwide economic stability and growth.
As Prime Minister Modi represents India's interests at this historic gathering, the world watches how Global South perspectives will influence the global agenda on critical issues ranging from climate change to artificial intelligence governance.
