PM Modi's Strategic Agenda for the Johannesburg G20 Summit: Advancing Global Cooperation

G20 leaders are convening for the summit this weekend without any United States representative present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a three-day diplomatic visit to South Africa. His itinerary includes attending the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa's economic powerhouse. The summit carries the theme 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability' and marks the fourth consecutive G20 gathering hosted in the Global South.

The G20 leaders are assembling without American representation after President Donald Trump announced a boycott based on his widely disputed claims regarding persecution of South Africa's Afrikaner white minority.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be absent from the proceedings, continuing his recent pattern of reduced international travel engagements.

During the Summit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to deliver addresses in all three sessions focusing on inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and artificial intelligence. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister will present India's perspectives on the various G20 agenda items.

On the sidelines of the main summit, PM Modi plans to conduct bilateral discussions with several leaders present in Johannesburg. Additionally, he will participate in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders' Meeting hosted by South Africa.

"This summit holds special significance as the first G20 Summit taking place on African soil. During India's G20 presidency in 2023, we welcomed the African Union as a member of the G20," the Prime Minister noted in his pre-departure statement.

"The Summit provides an excellent forum to discuss critical global issues. South Africa has maintained continuity with the theme 'Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,' building upon outcomes from previous summits in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro. I look forward to presenting India's perspective aligned with our vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'One Earth, One Family and One Future,'" he added.

The summit agenda features three main sessions: "Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind" covering economic development, trade, and debt issues; "A Resilient World - the G20's Contribution" addressing disaster risk reduction, climate change, and food systems; and "A Fair and a Just Future for All" focusing on critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence.

Under PM Modi's leadership, India successfully championed the inclusion of the African Union into the G20 - an accomplishment widely recognized as a significant milestone during India's G20 presidency in 2023.