Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday left for Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit, where he will discuss issues crucial to India and the Global South.
This marks the fourth consecutive G20 meeting hosted by the Global South, following presidencies in Indonesia (2022), India (2023), and Brazil (2024). The summit, from November 21 to 23, is the first G20 gathering on African soil.
This will be PM Modi’s fourth official visit to South Africa, following his bilateral visit in 2016 and attendance at BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.
Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER) of the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the forum’s significance, noting that G20 discussions have focused on consensus declarations, pilot initiatives, and themes impacting the Global South. He said the South African presidency emphasizes four pillars under its theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”
Comprising major economies representing 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade, the G20 will also facilitate bilateral meetings. Dalela noted that India and South Africa share strong political cooperation and highlighted the African Union’s role in shaping the summit agenda, following its permanent G20 membership during India’s 2023 presidency. (Agencies)
