Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, the first-ever G20 summit hosted on African soil. This summit, taking place in Johannesburg from November 21 to 23, marks a historic milestone as the G20 engages with the African continent for the first time at this high-profile global forum. Modi’s participation not only highlights India’s growing international role but also underscores its commitment to presenting a unique perspective rooted in its age-old philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — meaning “The world is one family” — alongside the theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

PM Modi expressed his intent to showcase India’s viewpoint on pressing global issues including inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and technological innovation during the summit sessions. His presence is particularly significant as this year’s summit theme, “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” reflects South Africa’s dedication to addressing global disparities and advancing sustainable development agendas, continuing the momentum from past summits held in the Global South, including India’s own G20 presidency in 2023.

Beyond the main summit, Modi is slated to attend the sixth IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Summit on the sidelines, reinforcing India’s strategic ties with these key partners while also engaging in bilateral talks with various world leaders. These meetings will potentially focus on a range of topics such as trade, energy security, and cooperation on global challenges including counter-terrorism—a priority India consistently advocates within the G20 framework.

Modi’s participation comes amid notable absences of some large G20 members, which places an added emphasis on the Global South’s leadership role in shaping global policies. India aims to push for stronger South-South cooperation, debt relief for developing economies, and fair access to technology and finance, aligning with South Africa’s leadership effort to prioritize Africa’s development and global debt reform during the summit.

This G20 summit is more than just a gathering of world leaders; it is an opportunity for India to amplify its vision on a world stage where shared challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and technological governance require collective action grounded in fairness and solidarity. As Modi embarks on this significant diplomatic mission, India’s message will be clear: a call for unity in diversity, emphasizing collaboration to build a sustainable and just future for all nations.

Such engagement not only elevates India’s stature internationally but also reaffirms its commitment to global governance that reflects the aspirations and realities of the developing world, especially those in Africa and the broader Global South. The outcomes of this summit could influence international economic policies and partnerships for years to come.

This visit is Modi’s fourth official trip to South Africa, following previous bilateral visits and participation in BRICS summits, showcasing continuity in fostering strong India-Africa relations through platforms like the G20 and IBSA. The Indian leadership is set to convey a message of hope, resilience, and proactive cooperation amid complex global challenges. PM Modi’s journey to South Africa for the G20 Summit represents a critical moment for India to share its vision of universal solidarity and to actively shape discussions on inclusive growth, climate action, and international cooperation, all while strengthening partnerships that promise mutual development and prosperity.

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