G-20 Summit 2023: African Union Becomes Permanent Member, India Ahead of China
The African Union has been welcomed as a permanent member of the G-20 group during the summit chaired by India. In response, African Union President Azali Assoumani praised India and acknowledged its position as a global power, stating that “India is the 5th superpower of the world.” He also emphasized the need for coordination between India and Africa, acknowledging India’s advancements in space. The inclusion of the African Union in the G-20 group took place on September 9th.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed the significance of the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, stating that it is an important step towards a more inclusive global dialogue. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts that consider the interests of the entire world. All member countries of the G20 supported the proposal to include the African Union, a significant group representing the Global South, which comprises developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
In response to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema’s post, PM Modi acknowledged the African Union’s role in global progress and expressed India’s readiness to enhance collaboration and work towards shared aspirations for global good.
During the summit’s inauguration on Saturday, PM Modi urged President Assoumani and other leaders to join the forum. As a result, the African Union, consisting of 55 member countries, became the second multi-nation group, after the European Union, to become a permanent member of the G20. The proposal to include the African Union in the list of the world’s top economies was accepted by all G20 member countries at the beginning of the summit under India’s chairmanship.
This move highlights India’s growing prominence on the global stage and its efforts to promote inclusivity in international dialogues. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 provides a platform for greater collaboration between India and various African nations, opening up new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, and development.
