In June 2023, PM Modi had written to his G20 counterparts proposing permanent membership for the African Union
The African Union (AU) became a permanent member of the G20 during the inaugural session of the G20 Delhi Summit on Saturday (September 9, 2023).

A proposal to admit the union of 55 African nations as a permanent member of the Group of 20, or G20, had been put forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year, responding to its request for enhanced representation on the international stage. The proposal had been received positively by all G20 member states.

“India had proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we all are in agreement on this proposal. With your agreement," Prime Minister Modi said as he banged the gavel thrice. “Before we begin further proceedings, I invite the AU President as a permanent member to take his seat,” he added.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar escorted President of AU and President of Comoros Azali Assoumani to his seat amid applause, following which Prime Minister Modi shared a warm hug with him.

India believes that giving the African Union full membership in the G20 is the right step towards a just, fair, more inclusive and representative global architecture and governance.

It is worth noting that Prime Minister Modi has been a strong believer in ensuring a greater voice for the Global South countries, particularly the African nations, on international platforms. As part of India's G20 Presidency, he has prioritized incorporating the concerns and priorities of African nations into the G20 agenda.

In January this year, India hosted the Voice of the Global South Summit 2023. Over 120 developing countries, including those from Africa, took part in the virtual gathering. The Summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on January 12, 2023 as an important group of nations to collaborate on political, economic, social, environmental, cultural, and technical issues.

The G20 was founded in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis and comprises the 20 largest economies of the world.

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, the US and the European Union have been permanent members of the group. Now, the African Union also joins this powerful group.