NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the world to come together to transform the global trust deficit among nations into trust and confidence. He said that after Covid-19, a huge crisis of lack of trust has come in the world and the conflict has deepened this trust deficit.
In a historic development during the G20 summit in New Delhi, the African Union secured a permanent seat within the influential bloc, marking the first expansion since its establishment in 1999 to address financial crises on a global scale.
The African Union will now hold the same status as the 27-member European Union (EU), which is currently the sole regional bloc with full membership within the G20. The move aligns with the objectives of India’s G20 presidency, aiming to place the concerns and interests of the Global South at the forefront of the summit’s agenda.
In a brief televised inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement, declaring the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20. Speaking in Hindi, PM Modi stated, “In keeping with the sentiment of ‘Sabka Saath’ (with everyone), India proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we all are in agreement on this proposal.”
Symbolic incorporation
After obtaining consensus, PM Modi symbolically incorporated the African Union into the group by striking a gavel three times. He welcomed the African Union President, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, to a seat among the G20’s permanent members.
PM Modi greeted Assoumani with a hug before the leaders commenced their closed-door deliberations. The inclusion of the African Union will bolster the G20’s influence, already representing around 85 per cent of global GDP, over 75 pc of global trade, and approximately two-thirds of the world’s population.
India is elated
In June, PM Modi had written to fellow G20 leaders advocating for the African Union’s full membership in the group. This proposal gained support from key European Union members, China, and Russia, each with their distinct motivations. The EU and G7 members like Japan saw this as a means to empower African countries in the Global South.
PM Modi expressed his elation on social media platform X, stating, “India is elated to welcome @_AfricanUnion as a permanent member of the G20. Together, let us foster global unity and progress. Let us also do whatever we can for the development of the Global South.” In response to a message in French on X from Assoumani, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to collaboration, solidifying the collective dedication to global progress.
He also responded to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s congratulatory message, emphasising that the African Union’s strengthened presence within the G20 family would bolster partnerships focused on comprehensive development and a better planet.
