PM Modi leaves for South Africa to attend 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday set off on a three-day visit to South Africa, where he will participate in the first G20 summit to be held on African soil. While in Johannesburg, he is also scheduled to join the sixth IBSA Summit taking place alongside the G20 deliberations.In his departure statement, Modi said he would articulate India’s vision at the summit, guided by the principles of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”This summit marks the fourth consecutive G20 meeting hosted by the Global South, following the presidencies of Indonesia, India, and Brazil. Before South Africa assumed the role for 2025, Brazil led the G20 in 2024, India in 2023, and Indonesia in 2022.According to information, Modi will attend the summit from November 21 to 23, marking a significant milestone as the first G20 summit held on the African continent. This visit is his fourth official trip to South Africa, after his bilateral visit in 2016 and his participation in the BRICS summits of 2018 and 2023.

Will be attending the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a particularly special Summit as it is being held in Africa. Various global issues will be discussed there. Will be meeting various world leaders during the Summit. https://t.co/Sn4NFUOzXB

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025

According to Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER) in the Ministry of External Affairs, the G20 continues to be an important platform where member nations have agreed on consensus declarations and new initiatives across multiple themes affecting the Global South. He noted that discussions under Brazil’s presidency carried forward effectively into South Africa’s stewardship, which is structured around four key verticals identified for the 2025 agenda.Dalela highlighted that several achievements have been recorded throughout the year, emphasising that matters crucial to the Global South remain central to the ongoing dialogue. The G20 comprises major global economies that collectively account for 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. Under South Africa’s presidency, the grouping is focusing on the theme of Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.On bilateral meetings scheduled on the sidelines of the summit, the Ministry of External Affairs said preparations are underway. Dalela added that India and South Africa, both strong democracies, share cooperation based on three pillars, including political collaboration. He also underscored the significant role of the African Union, which became a permanent member of the G20 during India’s 2023 presidency, in shaping this year’s agenda.