At the historic 20th G20 Summit held in Johannesburg — the first time the summit has convened on African soil — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerged as a prominent voice advocating development, solidarity, and sustainable growth, particularly for the Global South. Modi was warmly welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who emphasised India’s role as “a key partner in advancing development and solidarity between the Global South countries.”
President Ramaphosa’s remarks set the tone for a summit underscoring shared vision, collaboration, and Africa’s rising importance in global governance. He highlighted that the Johannesburg summit places Africa’s development at the centre of global discussions.
Grounding India’s approach in the philosophy of “Integral Humanism,” Modi described the concept as “bringing harmony between progress and planet.” He reiterated India’s commitment to inclusive growth guided by the principle of “leaving no one behind.”
Reflecting on India’s previous G20 presidency, Modi noted the significance of the African Union (AU) becoming a full member of the G20, calling it a milestone that symbolises the continent’s growing influence. He also stressed the importance of addressing “financing for development and the debt burden,” along with “disaster risk reduction,” “just energy transitions,” and “critical minerals,” all of which are crucial for Africa’s future growth trajectory.
Modi further highlighted India’s investment in human capital across Africa, including the establishment of offshore Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campuses aimed at strengthening the continent’s skilled workforce.
Ramaphosa, in his opening address, reinforced the importance of multilateralism and inclusive development. “A key obstacle to inclusive growth in developing economies, including many in Africa, is an unsustainable level of debt,” he said. He called for “sustainable solutions to tackle high structural deficits and liquidity challenges,” while reaffirming South Africa’s commitment as G20 president to elevate Africa’s priorities on the global agenda. These priorities include climate justice, economic inclusion, and mobilising finance for a just energy transition.
Officials from South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) also highlighted India’s vital role in championing Africa’s development within the G20 framework. They pointed to shared objectives across both nations, particularly in advancing education, capacity building, and technology transfer.
India’s recognition of the African Union as a full G20 member and its broader south-south cooperation efforts — including the IBSA partnership between India, Brazil, and South Africa — were noted as central pillars strengthening this relationship.
Both leaders outlined a shared vision rooted in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — expressed through Modi’s message of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Their collaboration at the summit signals a push towards a more inclusive, equitable global order that amplifies the voice of Africa and the wider Global South.
The joint advocacy of Modi and Ramaphosa underscored an evolving diplomatic landscape in which India, South Africa, and Africa more broadly are emerging as champions of sustainable development, multilateralism, and global cooperation.
