G20 Summit in South Africa: PM Modi to depart for Johannesburg on Friday
New Delhi, Nov 20: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Johannesburg on Friday to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit from November 21–23, India returns to the global stage not just as a participant, but as a nation whose recent G20 presidency continues to shape the agenda of the world’s most influential forum.
This year’s summit comes at a critical moment. The world faces economic uncertainty, climate threats and rising geopolitical tensions. As global leaders convene in South Africa, India’s experience and example over the past two years are expected to weigh heavily on the discussions.
India’s Presidency: aa turning point for the G20
India’s G20 presidency, from December 2022 to November 2023, has created a landmark, widely regarded as one of the most impactful in the forum’s history. Under PM Modi’s vision of an “inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented” G20, India transformed the summit from a closed diplomatic gathering into a mass movement across the country. India that year saw over 200 G20 meetings across 60 cities, covering all 28 states and 8 Union Territories. More than 100,000 participants from 135 nationalities attended, making it one of the largest G20 engagements to date.
India set a benchmark for summit organisation, with seamless coordination and cultural showcasing. Most significantly, India championed the voice of the Global South. Under India’s presidency, the African Union was added as a permanent member of the G20, a historic move that reshaped the forum’s composition and priorities.
India’s legacy remains visible across key G20 documents and global policy frameworks that may have been New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration or Varanasi Principles on LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) or Chennai Framework for Ocean Economy etc. These ideas have continued to echo in the Brazilian Presidency, showing India’s lasting influence on global policy. Even after handing over the presidency, India has remained an active and influential troika member, guided discussions and supporting continuity.
South Africa Takes the Baton
South Africa, which assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, has maintained the focus on development and equity especially for Africa. Its theme, “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” prioritises: Disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income nations, financing a just energy transition, harnessing critical minerals or inclusive economic growth through AI and innovation. Three temporary task forces have also been set up on economic inequality, food security, and responsible AI, echoing several priority areas championed by India.
Why This Summit Matters
The Johannesburg summit is the fourth consecutive G20 hosted by a developing country: Indonesia, India, Brazil, and now South Africa. With the United States set to take over next year, this summit is seen as crucial for securing outcomes that benefit the Global South, especially Africa. As PM Modi prepares to join his counterparts, India is seen not just as a participant, but as a bridge builder. In a world marked by conflict and competition, New Delhi has consistently argued for cooperation. Led by PM Modi's guiding principle, “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, it remains central to the G20’s search for solutions. India’s influence is still visible in this year’s agenda at the Johannesburg summit. It may well prove that the world is still listening to New Delhi.
