The global community is closely watching as the PM Modi Johannesburg G20 Summit visit begins on 21 November. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for 21–23 November. This year marks a historic moment because South Africa becomes the first African nation to host the G20 Summit. The visit also highlights India’s ongoing leadership role within the Global South.
India’s Agenda at the G20 Sessions
During the PM Modi Johannesburg G20 Summit visit, the Prime Minister will speak in all three official sessions. Each session focuses on crucial global themes. The first session addresses inclusive and sustainable economic growth, with an emphasis on fair trade and development financing. The second session discusses global resilience, climate change, disaster risk reduction, and clean energy transitions. The final session looks toward a fair future, covering artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and decent work.
India aims to push for balanced growth and cooperation. Moreover, Modi will attend the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting, which strengthens trilateral cooperation among emerging economies. This adds another layer of significance to the trip.
G20 2025 Theme and Global South Leadership
The theme for the 2025 summit—Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability—reflects the priorities of developing nations. Interestingly, this is the fourth straight G20 summit hosted by a country from the Global South. Indonesia, India, and Brazil hosted earlier editions from 2022 to 2024. Now, South Africa continues the trend, showcasing the growing influence of emerging economies.
List of G20 Member Countries
The G20 includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the UK, and the US. It also includes the European Union and the African Union as full members.
Tensions Rise as the US Boycotts the Summit
The PM Modi Johannesburg G20 Summit visit also unfolds against a tense diplomatic backdrop. The United States has chosen to boycott the summit due to escalating disagreements with South Africa. Washington reportedly warned Pretoria against issuing a joint statement. Relations worsened earlier this year when the US President publicly confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over human rights accusations.
South Africa responded strongly. Its foreign ministry emphasized that the US absence weakens global cooperation. The ministry added that allowing pressure from an absent nation could harm the G20’s purpose.
As the summit begins, global leaders expect productive discussions despite geopolitical tensions. Modi’s presence ensures India continues to shape global policy debates.
