PM Modi will attend the summit from November 21 to 23, marking a significant milestone as it is the first G20 meeting to be held on the African continent. The Prime Minister is expected to discuss key issues concerning India and the Global South during his visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets delegates after landing in South Africa. Pic/AFP
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi landed in Johannesburg on Friday to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit. He received a ceremonial welcome following his arrival at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.
PM Modi will attend the summit from November 21 to 23, marking a significant milestone as it is the first G20 meeting to be held on the African continent.
According to ANI, the Prime Minister is expected to discuss key issues concerning India and the Global South during his visit.
This visit to South Africa will be PM Modi's fourth, following his bilateral visit in 2016 and his attendance at the two BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.
This summit is the fourth consecutive G20 meeting hosted by the Global South. Prior to South Africa, the G20 presidencies were held by Brazil (2024), India (2023), and Indonesia (2022).
According to Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Sudhakar Dalela, "G20 is an important forum, with countries in previous sessions agreeing to have a consensus declaration, pilot, and take new initiatives on several themes that impact the Global South."
The secretary, while hailing the achievements of the Global South, stated, "We are very happy that these discussions have carried forward under the presidency of Brazil and, of course, in South Africa under four verticals that South Africa has outlined for their own presidency. A number of achievements have been made throughout the year across various tracks in these areas. So we are very happy that the issues of importance to the Global South are at the centre of discussion and are being highlighted."
The G20 comprises major economies representing 85 per cent of global GDP and 75 per cent of international trade. The forum has identified priority areas under South Africa's presidency theme of 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'.
Regarding the bilateral meetings to be held on the sidelines of the G20, Secretary Dalela said that they are in the process of organising them.
While highlighting India and South Africa’s strategic partnership, he said that the two countries are democracies and their cooperation has three pillars, one of which is political cooperation. The African Union, which became a permanent member of the G20 during India's 2023 presidency, will play a key role in shaping the summit's agenda.
(With inputs from ANI)
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