Priya Aditi
According to sources familiar with the matter, India’s proposal to admit the African Union as a complete member of the G20 has been included in the draught communique for the summit of the world’s 20 largest economies.
In a letter to his G20 counterparts last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed that the African Union be granted complete membership at the September summit that India will host.
The proposal was created in response to a request from the African Union, which is comprised of 55 African countries.
People say that text regarding the inclusion of the African Union has been added to the revised draught of the joint leaders’ declaration being deliberated at the third meeting of G20 sherpas in Hampi, Karnataka.
The response from other member states to India’s proposal has been overwhelmingly positive, according to anonymous sources. To move this matter forward, however, consensus, which is the foundation of all G20 decision-making, will be necessary.
India’s position in conveying the proposal to other G20 members was that Africa requires a stronger voice in all multilateral forums, particularly those focusing on the global economy and sustainable development. They acknowledged that the incorporation of a significant organisation like the African Union will present its own difficulties.
Previously, the Indian side stated that the proposal aims to strengthen Africa’s voice on the international stage and in influencing the future of a global community.
Modi has taken the lead on the issue of African Union membership in the G20, which he ardently supports and advocates.
People say that Modi is also a firm believer in giving countries of the Global South, primarily African countries, a stronger voice on international platforms.
The Indian side has also stated that the African Union’s membership in the G20 will be a positive step towards a more inclusive, just, and equitable global architecture and governance.
The G20, which was established in 1999 following the Asian financial crisis, consists of the largest economies in the globe.
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union are the group’s members.
In 2001, the African Union was established to succeed the Organisation of African Unity. The total population of African Union member states exceeds 1,3 billion.
It has permanent observer status at the United Nations General Assembly and represents the interests of African states in international forums.
India will host the G20 summit on September 9-10 in New Delhi.
As part of India’s G20 presidency, Modi has prioritised incorporating African countries’ priorities into the group’s agenda.
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India hosted the Voice of Global South Summit earlier this year to determine the concerns and priorities of developing nations so that they could be incorporated into the G20’s agenda for this year.
