Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a three-day visit to Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, thus marking the first time the summit is being held on the African continent.
His trip began at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa, and he also describes the event as a “particularly special” summit.
Modi has also thus emphasised that India will present its global outlook shaped by the ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,“ the world is one family”, and the vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
During his stay from November 21 to 23, Modi has also been scheduled to speak at all three major sessions of the summit.
The first session will centre mainly on the inclusive and sustainable economic growth, exploring various topics like trade, development financing, and global debt burdens.
The second session will mjaorly focus on building a resilient world, thus addressing disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, and food systems.
The final session thereby aims at envisioning a fair and just future for all, with all the attention on critical minerals, the theme of decent work, and even the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
On the sidelines of the G20, Modi will also participate in the sixth India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Summit, which would thus strengthen the partnership among these three influential democracies of the Global South.
He is also expected to hold bilateral talks with several world leaders present, increasing India’s diplomatic engagement on key global issues.
Another important element of his visit is going to be his planned interaction with the Indian diaspora in South Africa, which is among the largest outside India.
Modi’s attendance at this summit also helps to underscore India’s commitment to advancing the Global South agenda, especially under South Africa’s presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
Through its proper participation, India thus also seeks to stand by its role in shaping more equitable global governance and even on the aspect of sustainable development.
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