Following A Hug From PM Modi And An Invitation To Table, African Union Joins G20

The African Union (AU) became a permanent member of the world’s Group of 20 largest economies (G20) on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring its admission.

PM Modi made the statement during the opening session of the two-day G20 Summit, welcoming the 55-nation AU as a new member of the organization.

Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and AU Chairperson, took his place as a full member of the G20 shortly after the announcement.

PM Modi said, “In keeping with the sentiment of sabka saath (with everyone), 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 (he banged the gavel thrice)”.

“Before we start our work, I invite the AU president as a permanent member to take his position”, PM Modi added.

In recent years, India has positioned itself as a major voice highlighting the issues, challenges, and aspirations of the Global South or developing nations, particularly the African continent.

On the question of the AU’s membership in the G20, Prime Minister Modi has taken the lead. PM Modi wrote to G20 leaders in June, pleading for the AU to be granted full membership in the grouping at the G20 conference in New Delhi.

The suggestion was formally included in the draughts communique for the summit during the third G20 Sherpas conference, which took place in Karnataka’s Hampi in July.

The African Union (AU) is a powerful institution with 55 member nations that comprise the African continent’s governments.

In response to many global economic crises, the G20 was formed in 1999.

The G20 member countries account for around 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of global commerce, and almost two-thirds of the global population.

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (EU) are the other members of the organization.

Also read: PM Modi Welcomes World Leaders To G20 Summit With “Bharat Welcomes You”