PM Modi Addresses Historic G20 Summit in Africa: Promoting 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' Vision

Prime Minister Modi is expected to speak in all three sessions of the G20 Summit. (File)

Johannesburg:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted under South Africa's Presidency. PM Modi was welcomed at Waterkloof Air Force Base (AFB) in Gauteng with traditional cultural performances.

This marks the first G20 Summit held on African soil. Notably, the African Union became a G20 member during India's presidency in 2023.

During the summit, the prime minister plans to conduct bilateral meetings with various leaders present in Johannesburg. Additionally, he will participate in the 6th summit of IBSA - the trilateral grouping of India, Brazil, and South Africa.

Before departing, PM Modi shared on social media: "Will be attending the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a particularly special Summit as it is being held in Africa. Various global issues will be discussed there. Will be meeting various world leaders during the Summit."

He added, "I will present India's perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'One earth, One Family and One Future.'"

PM Modi noted that this Summit provides an opportunity to address critical global challenges. South Africa's theme for this year's G20, 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,' builds upon outcomes from previous Summits in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro.

"I look forward to my interactions with leaders of the partner countries, and participation in the 6th IBSA Summit scheduled on the sidelines of the Summit," PM Modi stated.

"During the visit, I also look forward to my interaction with the Indian expatriates in South Africa, which is one of the largest outside India," he further mentioned.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address all three sessions of the G20 Summit.

The Summit consists of three key sessions: "Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies, the role of trade, financing for development and the debt burden".

The remaining sessions focus on "A Resilient World - the G20's Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Just Energy Transitions, Food Systems" and "A Fair and a Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence".

This represents the fourth consecutive summit of the grouping to be held in the Global South.

Notably, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the summit.