Narendra Modi to Attend G20 Summit in South Africa on Key Issues

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 21 to 23 to engage in the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. This summit, hosted by South Africa, is significant as it marks the fourth consecutive gathering of the G20 held in a developing country, reflecting a growing emphasis on the leadership of Global South nations in international economic and governance discussions.

During the summit, Prime Minister Modi will articulate India's viewpoints on a wide range of topics included in the G20 agenda and is scheduled to address all three formal sessions of the event. The first session, titled "Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth: Leaving No One Behind," aims to bolster global economic recovery, enhance trade opportunities, improve development financing, and address the increasing debt challenges faced by vulnerable economies. According to sources, India will advocate for equitable growth and fair access to international markets.

The second session, "A Resilient World – the G20's Contribution," will delve into issues related to disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, and food systems. India is expected to showcase its advancements in renewable energy and climate adaptation strategies, as well as highlight international initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

In the final session, "A Fair and Just Future for All," discussions will centre on critical minerals, decent work, and the governance of artificial intelligence. India is likely to push for the establishment of transparent and diversified supply chains concerning critical minerals and underscore the necessity for safe, inclusive, and development-oriented frameworks for artificial intelligence.

In addition to the main sessions, Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to conduct bilateral meetings with several global leaders during the summit. He will also participate in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders' Meeting, which is being hosted by South Africa. This engagement underscores the ongoing collaboration among these three prominent democracies of the Global South.

This visit is crucial for Global South countries as it allows them to strengthen their influence in shaping global economic and technological governance amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. The United States has announced its decision to boycott this historic summit, marking the first time the G20 is being held in Africa. This decision stems from allegations that South Africa, which was under a white-minority apartheid regime until 1994, currently discriminates against white citizens—a claim that has been firmly rejected by the South African government.