With PM Modi at Johannesburg G20 summit, interests of Global South will not just be heard, but it will shape global agenda
A billboard advertising the G20 Summit can be seen in the city center of Johannesburg on November 20, 2025, as South Africa prepares to host the 2025 G20 meeting, the premier forum for international economic cooperation. Photo: VCG
For the first time since its inception in 1999, it is on the African soil, in Johannesburg where the G20 held its annual summit. PM Modi graced this historic gathering while Donald Trump of USA was absent. PM Modi’s attendance has ensured that voices and interests of the Global South are not just heard, but will now start shaping the global agenda.
The African Union became a member of the G20 in 2023 and now representing the entire continent, South Africa is hosting the G20 for the first time.For many years, Africa stood outside, looking at platforms like this – platforms shaped by the Western world. Now, Africa too has elevated itself to the platform where the developed world stands. Africa is no longer on the sidelines – it is competing on equal footing with the countries of the world.
In fact it is the entire Global South which is moving ahead. The new agenda-setting for the world started first with the formation and consolidation of BRICS countries. Now countries like India and China are setting the agenda for the G20 which is a broader forum where BRICS ideas are finding acceptance – whether in financial architecture, payment systems or the free movement of people. Thus the Johannesburg summit is going to ensure that voices and interests of the Global South are not just heard, but shape the global agenda.
Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, economic sluggishness and rising protectionism, this summit highlights “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The theme reflects the challenges the world is facing.
From the perspective of equality and sustainability, unequal economic relations have failed the poor, the working class and the toiling masses worldwide. Global warming and related issues are major challenges.
The world needs sustainable economics – including environmental economics, digital economies and the hubs generated by global developments. We need the vision of eco-cities and it must be ensured that the world becomes a clean, ecological place to live. While building new industries and re-industrializing for job creation and energy transition, everyone must remain true to the climate and human health. Real action is needed.
India- Africa cooperation in advancing “solidarity, equality, sustainability”. India is a very important for Africa. From historical perspective, India has always been clear that it does not interfere in domestic politics but focuses on supporting the building of people’s livelihoods. This principle of non-interference has earned India many supporters around the world. It has participated in various regional development plans, contributing to a diversified financial ecosystem. Financial sustainability and inclusive growth remain at the heart of G20 priorities today.
India has supported infrastructure creation in Africa. Indian companies and government initiatives have developed a wide range of infrastructure in Africa, including digital infrastructure like the UPI payment system and the Modular Open-Source Identity Platform (MOSIP) in countries like Namibia, Ghana, and Togo. Other significant projects include transport and energy infrastructure, such as power plants, substations, and transmission lines, as well as industrial and defense facilities and large-scale projects like convention centers and presidential palaces.
Indian companies like Bharti Airtel are expanding operations across the continent. Others are building Power plants and substations in Nigeria and hydroelectric power projects in Rwanda.
Transmission lines and associated substations, have been constructed, in Togo including Implementing solar electrification projects in villages and developing solar power systems.
India has provided locomotives for African railway corridors and is supporting the development of transport networks. Tata Advanced Systems has established a defense plant in Morocco to manufacture combat vehicles. Indian firms are also investing in and establishing manufacturing units in various countries. They are involved in infrastructure projects related to mining, such as developing port infrastructure.
Indian firms have constructed major projects like the international convention center in Niger and the presidential palace in Ghana. They have been Launching tele-medicine connectivity to connect African hospitals with Indian super-specialty hospitals for expert services and diagnosis, with Ethiopia being the first beneficiary.
In the context of the G20, South Africa and India are at their best. The two sides meet almost every day, shaping the agenda for development — not just in South Africa, but across the entire African continent.
The USA has been absent from this meet. In fact, the US’ absence is their loss. While the US is stuck in its own trumply problems, the world is moving, ideas are being exchanged and now people trust India to help strengthen the developing world and show that progress does not depend solely on the West.
India and China are one of the fastest-developing economies in the world, improving lives not only in within but around the world. Therefore India, China and other like-minded countries in the G20 will continue to shape the global agenda and move the world forward.
It is very important that the G20 protects itself from being steered by a G7 countries. As we move toward the G20, we have many streams – B20 for business, C20 for civil society, T20 for think tanks, U20 for urban municipalities, Y20 for youth, W20 for women, L20 for labor unions.
The G20 also needs to establish a strong conflict resolution mechanism. In cases like the US not attending the summit, or the Russian president not being able to come because of an ICC indictment, the issues must be addressed within the parameters and resolutions of the G20, so that we can find a way to resolve them.
It needs to reaffirm its rules and governance mechanisms, which needs to be implemented rigorously, in order to navigate unilateralism. Overall, we see BRICS as a key driver in enabling the G20.
As influential voices of the Global South, India and others together use platforms such as the G20 to promote a more inclusive and diversified paradigm for global trade and governance?
We can engage think tanks and academic institutions globally, ensuring that decisions are informed by multiple perspectives – not only those aligned with the richest countries. There must be studies on global economic inequality, climate adaptation, financing and digital development, with contributions from Africa, Latin America and Asia. This way, the G20 can resist being captured by a small group of powers.
We need a decolonized world, and we must oppose new forms of colonialism. We need inclusive multilateralism, peace, stability, resistance to bullying and a world focused on development. Against this backdrop, India and Africa need to maintain consistent messaging on the transformation and improvement of global governance.
