“I believe that inclusion of African Union will get the support of all,” Modi said as he invited the bloc’s chair Comoros President Azali Assoumani to address the delegates. The African bloc – made up of 55 member states – is at the summit on India’s invitation. Now, it will have the same status as the European Union. India has been advocating for the AU’s inclusion for months. Countries like Russia, the US, Australia, and Japan also supported the move after Senegalese President Macky Sall proposed it in 2022 during his chairmanship of the AU. (Photo: India PM Modi embraces AU Chair Comoros President Azzali).

Analysts say the move would strengthen the voice of the Global South – which India seeks to represent – and give African nations a global platform to highlight problems faced by developing nations, as well as a more significant say in decisions concerning them when made by more prosperous countries of the world. India invites the African Union to be a permanent G20 member. Vikas Pandey Reporting from G20 thus – (Photo: Modi welcomes Sunak).

Prime Minister Modi in his opening remarks invited the African Union (AU) to take its place in the G20 as a permanent member. The inclusion of the AU was widely expected ahead of the summit. The decision will further bolster Modi’s efforts to make India the voice of the Global South. Leaders have arrived, what happens next? World leaders have arrived at the G20 summit venue in Delhi and now they will go behind closed doors for the first session titled ‘One Earth’.

It will largely be focused on environmental issues. The session is going to be a contentious one as developing countries, represented by India are asking rich nations to share the bigger burden of emission-cut targets and also commit money, technology, and infrastructure to fight climate change. But a deal that clearly spells out details is unlikely. What we might see is language that acknowledges the challenge, with pledges from G20 nations to do more to fight climate change. Modi kickstarts the summit – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially kickstarted the first day of the G20 summit with a welcome speech to the delegates.

Modi began his address by first expressing his condolences over the loss of lives in Morocco, where an earthquake has killed at least 296 people. He also posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the tragedy earlier today. “We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time,” he wrote. Modi ended his address by talking about India’s G20 presidency, saying it was “one of inclusion”. “We should uphold a human-centric approach while meeting the challenges of the 21st Century,” he said.

Courtesy: Sky News