Post by : Rameen Ariff

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his three-day trip to South Africa to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. This bustling economic center of South Africa will host the summit under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” It marks the fourth consecutive G20 summit held within the Global South.

Notably, this year’s summit will see the absence of leaders from both the United States and China. The President of the United States has opted out, citing concerns over perceived discrimination towards South Africa’s Afrikaner white minority. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping is also absent, signaling a reduction in his international engagements.

PM Modi is set to address all three key sessions of the summit, emphasizing inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and advancements in artificial intelligence. He will articulate India’s viewpoint on various global challenges, including trade dynamics, development financing, disaster risk management, climate issues, energy transitions, food security, vital minerals, and future labor markets.

During the summit, PM Modi is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with various leaders and participate in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting, which will be hosted by South Africa.

In his remarks prior to departure, PM Modi underscored the summit’s significance, labeling it “particularly special” as it is the first G20 gathering hosted in Africa. He reaffirmed that India’s principles of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “One Earth, One Family, One Future” will steer its contributions to the summit’s discourse.

This year’s G20 presidency has been marked by a pivotal achievement: the African Union’s inclusion as a G20 member. The summit aims to continue reinforcing Africa’s role in global economic and developmental conversations.

The summit's sessions will revolve around the following crucial topics:

1. Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth: Focus on economy-building, trade matters, development financing, and debt management.

2. A Resilient World: Addressing disaster risk reduction, climate challenges, energy transitions, and food systems.

3. A Fair and Just Future: Discussions on critical minerals, dignified employment, and the impact of artificial intelligence.

PM Modi’s presence at the summit highlights India’s growing influence in global policymaking and its commitment to nurturing collaboration among emerging economies and developing nations.

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