Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 21, 2025, to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, marking the first time the forum is convening on the African continent. Hosted by South Africa under President Cyril Ramaphosa, the summit, running from November 21 to 23, will address pressing global issues including sustainable development, energy transition, and debt relief.
A Summit of Symbolic Importance:
This G20 gathering carries significant symbolic weight as the first summit held in Africa and the fourth consecutive meeting in the Global South. President Ramaphosa has framed the summit under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”
For India, the summit provides a platform for PM Modi to advance his vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (“the world is one family”) and the principle of One Earth, One Family, One Future,” emphasizing global cooperation and equitable development.
Key Agenda Items for India:
Over the three-day summit, PM Modi is expected to participate in major sessions addressing economic growth, sustainability, and global equity.
| Session | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Inclusive & Sustainable Economic Growth | Trade, development financing, global debt challenges |
| A Resilient World | Disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transition, food systems |
| Fair & Just Future for All | Critical minerals, decent work, artificial intelligence |
On the sidelines, PM Modi will also attend the sixth IBSA Leaders’ Meeting, involving India, Brazil, and South Africa, and engage with the Indian diaspora in South Africa.
South Africa’s Vision for the G20:
As host, South Africa seeks to redirect the G20’s focus towards issues critical for developing economies. The country’s B20 business track has emphasized capital access for infrastructure investment, climate-responsive economic systems, gender equity, and industrialization using Africa’s critical minerals.
A central ambition of the South African presidency is addressing global wealth inequality. A report led by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz has highlighted disparities between rich nations and low-income countries, setting the stage for discussions on equitable global development.
Diplomatic Challenges:
The summit is not without diplomatic complexities. The United States, under former President Donald Trump, has indicated it will boycott the Johannesburg meeting, citing political disagreements with South Africa. President Ramaphosa expressed regret at the potential absence, highlighting the diplomatic tension surrounding the event.
Conclusion:
PM Modi’s participation in the 2025 G20 Summit underscores India’s growing influence in global governance and multilateral diplomacy. As world leaders convene on African soil for the first time, the summit agenda reflects an evolving G20 — one increasingly focused on inequality, climate justice, and sustainable development. The outcomes of this historic gathering may shape international economic and diplomatic relations in the years ahead.
