India To Reinforce Global South Priorities As PM Modi Heads To G20 Summit In Johannesburg

India has said it is preparing for a productive and outcome-driven G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg later this week, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will represent the country from 21 to 23 November.

Officials emphasised that the meeting holds particular significance for ensuring continuity of India’s priorities after its widely recognised G20 presidency in 2023.

Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs, noted that the G20 remains a central platform for global economic cooperation and collective problem-solving.

He highlighted that the grouping, representing more than 85 per cent of global GDP and three-quarters of the global population, provides an opportunity for leaders of major and emerging economies to address pressing international challenges.

This year’s gathering marks the fourth consecutive G20 Summit hosted in the Global South and the first to take place on African soil. It will also be Prime Minister Modi’s fourth official visit to South Africa.

According to MEA officials, the Prime Minister will speak across all three key sessions of the summit.

Discussions will cover inclusive and sustainable growth, global trade, development financing, debt vulnerabilities, disaster risk reduction, climate action, food systems, critical minerals, decent work and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

South Africa’s presidency has identified four core priorities: enhancing disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising finance for just energy transitions, and harnessing critical minerals for equitable and sustainable development.

India Seeks to Strengthen Partnerships and Build on Shared Agendas

Officials noted that South Africa has carried forward several of India’s 2023 presidency initiatives, particularly the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group and dialogues on global food security, reflecting shared concerns among developing nations.

Prime Minister Modi is also expected to hold multiple bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Additionally, he will join the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by South Africa.

With Indonesia, India, Brazil, and now South Africa consecutively holding the G20 presidency, officials underscored that emerging economies have been able to drive a sharper, more unified focus on issues shaping the Global South.

The Johannesburg Summit, they said, will further consolidate this momentum.

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