New Delhi, India – The African Union joined the Group of 20 leading economies at its summit on Saturday, enhancing the continent’s voice on the global stage. Host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that this inclusion transformed the often-divided bloc into the “people’s G20.”
“With everyone’s approval, I request the African Union head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member,” Modi stated in his opening address, punctuating his words with a ceremonial gavel.
Modi portrayed the summit as India’s diplomatic coming-of-age and advocated for his nation, which aspires for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, to be recognized as a voice of the Global South.
The African Union boasts 55 members at its full strength, though six nations currently under junta rule are suspended. Collectively, it represents a GDP of $3 trillion and approximately 1.4 billion people.
Originally, the G20 comprised 19 countries and the European Union, accounting for 85% of the world’s GDP. South Africa was its sole member from the continent.
The G20 was established amidst the 2008 financial crisis as a mechanism to oversee the global economy. However, achieving consensus among its members has grown increasingly challenging in recent years.
The African Union’s membership might be one of the summit’s most significant outcomes, with Modi striving to build consensus on various contentious topics. Prominent G20 members remain deeply divided over Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and financing climate change solutions.
Infrastructure Plan
On the summit’s fringes, G20 partners are set to announce ambitious plans on Saturday to enhance trade among India, the Middle East, and Europe, according to the United States.
This modern-day Spice Route could further integrate three regions that constitute roughly a third of the global economy, presenting an alternative to China’s extensive global infrastructure investments.
Washington, Saudi Arabia, the EU, UAE, and other nations will sign an agreement during the G20 summit to investigate a railway and port project to boost trade between Europe and India.
This agreement aligns with Washington’s active engagement with Riyadh, a significant oil producer and security ally, as the U.S. encourages the kingdom to establish formal relations with Israel.
Jon Finer, US Deputy National Security Advisor, mentioned that this announcement followed “months of careful, quiet diplomacy, both bilaterally and in multilateral settings.”
He emphasized the project’s “enormous potential,” though the timeline remains uncertain.
This initiative is still in its infancy, focusing on connecting India’s vast population and rapidly expanding economy with western markets.
However, Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute director at The Wilson Center, suggested that this plan could be a substantial counter to China’s renowned Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has expanded Chinese influence and commerce globally.
“If finalized, it would be a game changer that enhances connectivity between India and the Middle East, aiming to counter the BRI,” Kugelman shared on X, previously known as Twitter.
The plans are expected to encompass data, rail, electricity, and hydrogen pipeline connections, EU officials informed AFP.
Xi’s Absence
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is notably absent from the summit, delegating Premier Li Qiang as his representative. This decision has raised questions about the meeting’s significance.
While no official reason was provided for Xi’s absence, India and China have been at odds over border disputes and other matters. Concurrently, Beijing aims to align US-led groups like the G20 more closely with its interests.
Russia is represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, as diplomatic censure and war crime allegations have prevented Russian leader Vladimir Putin from attending the summit.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres cautioned about increasing global divisions on Friday, emphasizing that nations must take responsibility, regardless of the representative attending the summit in New Delhi.
The summit’s backdrop is notably grim: the European Union’s climate monitor predicts this year might be the hottest in recorded history. Guterres announced on Friday that the “climate crisis is spiraling out of control.”
Given that G20 nations are responsible for approximately 85% of global greenhouse gas emissions, their actions are pivotal to genuine climate progress.