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Modi Heads to G20 Summit in Johannesburg to Champion Global South Priorities

India takes center stage at the G20 as Modi pushes bold policies on debt relief, renewable energy, and ethical AI. Will the Global South reshape the world’s economic future?

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Modi Heads to G20 Summit in Johannesburg to Champion Global South Priorities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 21 to 23. The event marks the fourth consecutive G20 gathering hosted in the Global South, reflecting a growing influence of developing nations in global economic and governance discussions.

The US, however, will not participate this year, citing concerns over alleged discrimination against white citizens in South Africa—a claim the South African government has rejected.

The summit will unfold across three key sessions, each addressing pressing global challenges. In the first, leaders will examine ways to boost economic recovery, expand trade, and ease debt pressures on struggling economies. India is set to advocate for equitable growth and fairer market access during these talks.

The second session shifts focus to climate action, disaster preparedness, and sustainable food systems. Here, Modi will showcase India’s progress in renewable energy and climate adaptation, offering lessons from its large-scale initiatives. Energy transitions and food security will also take centre stage.

The final session tackles critical minerals, labour rights, and AI governance. India is expected to push for transparent mineral supply chains and inclusive AI policies that prioritise safety and accessibility. Beyond formal discussions, Modi will engage in bilateral meetings with world leaders and join the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders' Meeting on the sidelines.

This southwest arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, giving Global South nations a platform to shape international economic and technological rules. Modi’s participation underscores India’s active role in these debates, with its positions spanning trade, climate, and emerging technologies.

The Johannesburg summit will conclude with decisions on trade, climate, and digital governance. India’s contributions, from debt relief proposals to AI frameworks, will influence the outcomes. For the Global South, the event reinforces its growing voice in setting the global agenda.

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