Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday to participate in the G20 Leaders Summit. This year’s summit is hosted under South Africa’s presidency and is the first G20 Summit held in Africa. Modi was welcomed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Gauteng with traditional cultural performances, including music and dance.
The G20 Summit provides a platform for world leaders to discuss major global challenges. India’s perspective at the summit will be shaped by the vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – meaning the world is one family – and the motto “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” During his visit, Modi is expected to meet leaders from several countries and interact with the large Indian diaspora living in South Africa.
This summit continues the work of the previous G20 meetings held in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro. The theme for 2025 is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” It emphasizes collaboration among nations to address shared global issues such as climate change, economic development, and social equity. Modi expressed his eagerness to engage with leaders on these topics and participate in the sixth IBSA Summit, a trilateral forum of India, Brazil, and South Africa, taking place alongside the G20 meeting.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to speak at all three sessions of the G20 Summit. The first session, titled Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth: Leaving No One Behind, will focus on economic development, trade, financing for development, and tackling debt burdens. Leaders will discuss ways to build stronger and more resilient economies while ensuring that growth benefits all sections of society.
The second session, A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution, will focus on issues such as disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, energy transitions, food systems, and critical minerals. Leaders are expected to deliberate on strategies to prepare for global challenges and ensure stability across nations.
The third session, A Fair and Just Future for All, will address topics like decent work, artificial intelligence, and equitable development. The discussion will highlight the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize social justice, fairness, and sustainable opportunities for people worldwide. These sessions reflect India’s vision of using the G20 platform to promote balanced growth, environmental responsibility, and social equality.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders. These discussions will help strengthen international relations and promote trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. The IBSA Summit, also taking place alongside the G20, will provide an opportunity for India, Brazil, and South Africa to discuss trilateral cooperation on economic and social development.
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This G20 Summit is the fourth consecutive one held in the Global South, signaling a shift in focus to include perspectives from developing nations. Notably, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the 2025 summit. However, other major economies will participate, making it a critical forum for global cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of engaging with the Indian community in South Africa. The Indian diaspora is among the largest outside India, and Modi’s interactions with them aim to strengthen cultural ties and encourage participation in India’s development story. He also emphasized that the summit will help India showcase its ideas on sustainability, technology, and inclusive growth to a global audience.
Experts note that hosting the G20 Summit in Africa provides a unique opportunity for developing nations to highlight their challenges and achievements. It allows leaders from the Global South to contribute to discussions on economic growth, climate action, and social development in a setting that is more representative of their realities. Modi’s participation is expected to underline India’s role as a responsible global leader advocating for equitable growth and global cooperation.
In addition to the formal discussions, the summit will feature informal interactions among leaders. These exchanges often help resolve misunderstandings, build trust, and pave the way for long-term agreements. Modi’s engagements are likely to include conversations on trade partnerships, renewable energy projects, technological collaboration, and global health initiatives.
The 2025 G20 Summit is seen as a milestone for India and Africa. For India, it offers an opportunity to present its global vision, influence international policy discussions, and strengthen partnerships. For Africa, hosting the summit underscores its growing importance on the world stage and highlights the continent’s potential in global economic and social development.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to South Africa for the G20 Summit is significant for both India and the global community. Through participation in the summit’s sessions, bilateral meetings, and the IBSA Summit, Modi aims to promote sustainable economic growth, global cooperation, and inclusive development. The discussions at the summit will address critical challenges such as climate change, technological advancement, and social justice, shaping the future course of international policy and cooperation.
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