Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg from November 21–23, 2025, to present India’s perspective on global economic and development issues.

India’s voice in the Global South continues to grow at the 2025 G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Johannesburg, South Africa, from November 21 to 23, to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit. The event marks yet another critical moment for India to articulate its stance on global economic governance, sustainable growth, and cooperation among the world’s major economies.

The 2025 Summit in Johannesburg carries historic importance—it is the fourth consecutive G20 meeting hosted in the Global South, following Bali (2022), New Delhi (2023), and Rio de Janeiro (2024). This continuity reflects a shifting balance in global diplomacy, with emerging economies taking center stage in shaping international priorities.

Context and Background: The Role of G20 in Global Governance

The Group of Twenty (G20) is a leading intergovernmental forum that brings together the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies. It includes 19 countries and the European Union, and as of 2023—following India’s presidency—the African Union joined as a permanent member. Collectively, G20 members represent about 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

The G20 was formed in 1999, in the aftermath of the 1997–1998 Asian Financial Crisis, when it became evident that emerging markets needed a seat at the global economic table. Initially, the platform served as a meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors until it was elevated to the level of heads of state following the 2008 global financial crisis. That decision established the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation, addressing issues that extend beyond macroeconomics—such as climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

South Africa’s presidency of the G20, which began in December 2024, is particularly significant. It caps a year-long series of global discussions that emphasize “Unity through Diversity,” focusing on equitable growth, green transitions, and reforming global multilateral institutions.

Main Developments: India’s Agenda for Johannesburg

According to an official statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Prime Minister Modi will participate in all three sessions of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. These sessions will likely focus on strengthening global economic resilience, advancing digital inclusion, and tackling climate challenges through collaborative action.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Modi is expected to engage in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders from major economies. These talks often serve as strategic opportunities to deepen trade partnerships, explore technology cooperation, and enhance India’s diplomatic footprint across continents.

Additionally, Modi will attend the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting, hosted by South Africa. The IBSA forum—representing three large democracies from different continents—underscores South–South cooperation and the shared commitment to inclusive global governance.

Officials and observers believe India’s participation will reinforce its position as a bridge between developing and developed nations. Given India’s G20 presidency in 2023, the Johannesburg Summit allows Modi to follow through on key issues India championed—such as digital public infrastructure, global debt relief frameworks for developing nations, and reform of multilateral financial institutions.

Expert Insight: A Strategic Continuity for India

Analysts note that Modi’s visit symbolizes India’s consistent engagement with the evolving global order. Dr. Radhika Menon, an international relations scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University, commented, “India has positioned itself as a stabilizing partner between economic powers and emerging markets. Its role in the G20 is as much about convergence as it is about representation.”

Economic experts also highlight India’s push for a more inclusive financial system that aligns with developing countries’ needs. The inclusion of the African Union, proposed during India’s presidency, exemplifies New Delhi’s focus on amplifying voices from the Global South.

Global observers note that Modi’s continuing presence at G20 summits aligns with India’s growing influence in shaping discussions on equitable growth, clean energy transitions, and digital governance—a domain where India’s own models like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have become reference frameworks for several nations.

Impact and Implications: India’s Expanding Leadership

The Johannesburg Summit is not merely a diplomatic display but also a platform to address pressing global challenges. India’s perspectives on sustainable energy access, renewable technologies, and transparent trade systems are expected to feature prominently.

With G20 leaders grappling with slowing global growth and geopolitical tensions, India’s balanced and pragmatic approach could help foster consensus. Experts believe Modi’s focus on inclusive globalization—where technological progress and environmental responsibility coexist—will resonate widely among both developed and emerging members.

For India, the Summit also strengthens economic diplomacy in Africa—a region central to future global growth and energy transformation. Closer strategic coordination with African nations could yield tangible outcomes in investment, infrastructure, and digital capacity building.

Conclusion: Strengthening Global Partnerships for a Shared Future

As Prime Minister Modi embarks on this key visit, India’s growing leadership in the G20 underscores its expanding global stature. The gathering in Johannesburg symbolizes not only sustained cooperation among the world’s major economies but also a recognition of the Global South’s role in defining global solutions.

From New Delhi to Johannesburg, India’s message remains consistent: that development must be inclusive, sustainability must be shared, and the global economic order must adapt to the aspirations of a multipolar world.

Disclaimer: This article is a factual news analysis based on publicly available information from official government sources and global economic reports. It aims to inform readers and does not reflect any political opinion or endorsement.