PM Modi bats for full G20 membership for African Union

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi has written to G20 counterparts proposing that the African Union (AU) be given full membership at the upcoming Delhi Summit of G20, as requested by the AU.
Official sources said Modi had taken this “bold step” to enhance Africa’s voice on the international stage and “in shaping the future of our shared world”. Notwithstanding the Ukraine shadow over G20, India has sought to keep the focus on issues being faced by the Global South or the developing world, including food and fuel shortages.
“The PM has led from the front on this matter, which he strongly advocates and supports. This will be a right step towards a just, fair, more inclusive and representative global architecture and governance,” said a source.
“The PM is a strong believer in having a greater voice of the Global South countries on international platforms, particularly of African countries,” he added. As part of India’s G20 presidency, Modi has particularly focused on incorporating priorities of the African countries in the grouping’s agenda.
The meeting had seen participation of around 120 countries. Modi’s proposal follows the support announced by US President Joe Biden in December for the AU to join G20.