India Welcomes African Union as Permanent G20 Member

In a significant development, the Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in Delhi saw India extend a warm welcome to the African Union (AU).

The African Union, comprised of 55 member nations, joins the European Union (EU) as the second regional organization to become a permanent member of this influential global forum. The move reflects India’s broader agenda to shift the G20’s focus towards addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by countries in the Global South.

This landmark decision further elevates India’s G20 presidency into a symbol of inclusion, both domestically and on the international stage, as it underscores India’s commitment to fostering collaboration and representing the interests of the Global South.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who considers this summit a crucial platform to bolster India’s geopolitical significance ahead of next year’s national elections, made the historic announcement. He warmly received AU Chairperson Azali Assoumani, extending a seat at the conference table reserved for permanent G20 members.

This decision resonates deeply with India’s ethos of “Sabka Saath” or “togetherness,” symbolizing a commitment to inclusivity within and beyond its borders. Modi emphasized this spirit in his opening remarks, affirming that India’s G20 presidency embodies this very idea.

The AU chair position is rotated annually among the five regions of the African continent, and Assoumani, who hails from the Comoros Islands, currently holds the role. This appointment is a testament to India’s dedication to promoting diversity and cooperation within the G20.

Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, expressed his delight at the AU’s full G20 membership, highlighting the EU’s steadfast support for this initiative. He credited Senegal’s President Macky Sall, the 2022 AU Chair, for championing this cause from the beginning.

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As India takes the lead in steering the G20 towards a more inclusive future, this decision underscores the growing recognition of the importance of representing the diverse interests of nations from the Global South in shaping global policies and priorities. It’s a step towards a more balanced and equitable world order.

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