G20 Summit 2023: PM Modi welcomes African Union as G20 permanent member with a big hug

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• Sep 9, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The African Union (AU) officially became a permanent member of the G20 on Saturday...

Digital Desk: In a historic moment at the G20 Summit, the African Union (AU) officially became a permanent member of the G20 on Saturday, a decision met with widespread acclaim from all member nations. This significant development came to fruition following a proposal put forth by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who passionately championed the cause of greater inclusion for the Global South within the world's premier economic forum.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm invitation to the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to take his rightful seat at the G20 high table. Amidst cheers and applause from the global leaders in attendance, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, escorted Assoumani to his seat, culminating in a heartwarming moment as PM Modi and Assoumani shared a heartfelt hug.

"With support from all of you, I invite the African Union to join the G20," Prime Minister Modi declared during his address at the G20 Summit. His proposal, centered on the principles of unity and collaboration, received overwhelming support from the G20 member nations. Modi emphasized the sentiment of "sabka saath" (with everyone), underlining India's commitment to fostering a more inclusive global economic landscape.

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"In keeping with the sentiment of sabka saath, India has proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we are all in agreement on this proposal. With your agreement (he banged the gavel thrice)...," Modi stated, signaling the formal inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.

This decision has now granted the 55-nation African Union a permanent seat at the prestigious G20, allowing it to actively participate in shaping global economic policies.

Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight, writing, "Honored to welcome the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 Family. This will strengthen the G20 and also strengthen the voice of the Global South." His tweet reflected India's commitment to the principle of equitable representation within international forums.

India's advocacy for the African Union's G20 membership has been a long-standing effort. In June of this year, Prime Minister Modi penned a letter to the G20 leaders, fervently endorsing the idea of making the African Union a permanent member of the prestigious group.

The African Union, comprised of 55 member states representing the entire African continent, holds significant influence on global affairs, particularly in the context of economic development and cooperation. Its inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 is a testament to the increasing recognition of the importance of African nations in shaping the future of the global economy.

The decision to welcome the African Union into the G20 fold reaffirms the organization's commitment to fostering greater inclusivity and ensuring a balanced representation of the diverse nations that comprise our global community. It is a landmark step toward building a more equitable and prosperous world.