New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off for South Africa on Friday to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit, reaffirming that India will articulate its global outlook through the guiding principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
South Africa is hosting the landmark 20th edition of the summit, the first to take place on the African continent. Before boarding his flight, the Prime Minister wrote on X that the gathering holds “unique significance,” noting that he will engage with heads of state on a wide spectrum of international priorities and challenges.
Invited by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Modi will be in Johannesburg from November 21 to 23. His schedule includes bilateral discussions with several leaders as well as participation in the sixth IBSA Summit, which brings together India, Brazil and South Africa to deepen cooperation among the three democracies.
In a statement outlining his agenda, Modi said India’s interventions would draw from the inclusive framework it promoted during its 2023 G20 presidency. He also recalled that under India’s leadership, the African Union secured full membership in the grouping, a development seen as a major step toward making global decision-making more representative.
South Africa’s theme for this year, Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability, continues the momentum built during recent summits in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro. Modi said the Johannesburg meeting offers a timely opportunity to advance discussions on issues ranging from growth and debt distress to climate resilience and energy transitions.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the Prime Minister will address all three thematic sessions: one on equitable economic growth and trade, another on building resilience in areas such as disaster management and food systems, and a third focused on future-oriented concerns including AI, critical minerals and decent work.
An MEA official, while refraining from commenting on the likely contents of the leaders’ declaration, stated that New Delhi would ensure the viewpoints of India and other developing nations receive strong emphasis.
The current summit marks the fourth consecutive G20 meeting held in the Global South, following Indonesia, India and Brazil. The grouping comprises major economies responsible for most of the world’s output, trade and population, including the African Union, which joined as a full member last year.
