Modi to highlight India’s vision of “One Earth, One Family” as he addresses global growth, climate resilience & AI at Johannesburg G20 Summit.
Modi’s South Africa Visit: A Milestone G20 Trip
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, marking the first-ever G20 summit held on African soil.
This summit is being hosted under the theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, reflecting South Africa’s priorities for global development.
Modi’s Key Priorities at the G20
At the summit, Modi is expected to speak across three major sessions, focusing on issues at the core of India’s global vision.
- Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth: Building resilient economies, trade, development financing, and managing the debt burden.
- A Resilient World: Disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, and food systems.
- A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence governance.
In his departure remarks, PM Modi reiterated his philosophy: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
Bilateral Engagements & Global South Focus
- On the sidelines, Modi will participate in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting, reinforcing his commitment to South-South cooperation.
- He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with multiple world leaders during the summit.
- The trip is significant for India’s engagement with the Indian diaspora in South Africa, which Modi called “one of the largest outside India.”
Why This Summit Is Special
- This is the fourth consecutive G20 summit in the Global South — after Indonesia, India, and Brazil.
- Under India’s G20 presidency in 2023, the African Union became a permanent G20 member. Modi sees this session as an opportunity to push inclusive global governance.
- The African seat of the G20 is expected to drive deeper conversations on climate finance, debt relief, and equitable technological development.
Challenges & Expectations
- The global political backdrop is tense: U.S. President Donald Trump has boycotted the summit, reducing Western representation.
- India’s push for AI governance and critical mineral supply chain reform may emerge as key talking points.
- As Modi outlines India’s vision, observers will watch closely how it aligns with Global South priorities and future climate-financing commitments.
