New Delhi (AP) — In a significant move during his opening speech at the G20 summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the African Union (AU) has been granted permanent member status in the Group of 20 top world economies. This decision aligns with Modi’s efforts to amplify the voices of the Global South and further solidifies India’s role as the host of the annual summit.
The inclusion of the AU as a permanent member comes at a crucial time, as global divisions and the absence of key players threaten to hinder consensus on critical issues. While there were varying opinions on different matters, there was widespread support for the AU’s addition to the G20, making it the second regional bloc to achieve permanent member status after the European Union.
Modi made the announcement by rapping his gavel three times, garnering applause from the attendees. He warmly embraced Comoros President Azali Assoumani, the current AU chair, and invited him to sit at the table. Addressing the delegates from his nameplate that read “Bharat,” an ancient Sanskrit name symbolic of India, Modi emphasized the importance of finding concrete solutions to the challenges faced by the global economy, the divide between nations, and various issues such as terrorism, cyber security, health, and water security.
With the world’s attention focused on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, India aims to redirect the spotlight towards addressing the needs of developing nations at the summit. While it is challenging to separate certain issues, such as food and energy security, from the European conflict, Modi indirectly referred to the war in his remarks by highlighting the detrimental impact of a lack of trust on global issues.
Notably, several G20 leaders were not present at the summit, including the heads of Russia, China, Spain, and Mexico. This absence eliminates the possibility of face-to-face conversations and exacerbates the already strained relations among global powers. The preparatory meetings leading up to the summit failed to reach agreements due to increasing rifts, primarily related to the Ukraine conflict. Ending the summit without a joint statement would underscore the strained relations and tarnish India’s image as a problem-solving nation.
The summit’s agenda includes crucial topics relevant to developing nations, such as alternative fuels, resource efficiency, digital public infrastructure, and food security. Additionally, discussions on reforming development banks like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are expected to take place to facilitate access to funds for lower- and middle-income countries in their efforts to combat climate change. Climate action and financing are top priorities for India, particularly for developing and emerging markets.
Human Rights Watch urged the G20 leaders not to allow international divisions to distract them from addressing critical issues impacting human rights, such as sovereign debt crises, social protection programs, food security, climate change, and internet freedom. The organization emphasized the need for open discussions on challenges like gender discrimination and racism.
The summit coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statement that the landmark deal allowing Ukraine to export grain safely through the Black Sea will not be reinstated until Western nations meet his demands on Russia’s own agricultural exports. The termination of this deal has drawn attention to the issue, with European Council President Charles Michel condemning Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian ports. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aims to mobilize international resources to counteract the impact of Russia’s actions on the global food supply.
As the summit commenced, hundreds of Tibetan exiles held a protest to denounce Chinese participation and call for discussions on Sino-Tibetan relations. On the sidelines, Modi met with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss matters of mutual interest. The U.S., India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are working towards finalizing a joint infrastructure deal involving ship and rail transit, further strengthening India’s support for such multilateral projects.
Despite the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G20, U.S. officials stress that they remain committed to supporting Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
Overall, this G20 summit aims to address pressing global issues while providing a platform for emerging economies and developing nations to participate and contribute to finding solutions.
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