South Africa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, hosted under South Africa’s presidency.

Modi landed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Gauteng, where he received a traditional welcome featuring cultural songs and dance performances. This year’s summit marks the first time the G20 is being held in Africa. The African Union joined the grouping during India’s presidency in 2023.

On the sidelines of the summit, the prime minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders. He will also participate in the sixth IBSA Summit, the trilateral forum comprising India, Brazil and South Africa.

“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,” Modi posted on social media before his departure.

“I will present India's perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'One earth, One Family and One Future,” he said.

Modi noted that the summit offers an opportunity to address key global challenges. South Africa has adopted the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” building on the outcomes of the previous summits held in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro.

“I look forward to my interactions with leaders of the partner countries, and participation in the 6th IBSA Summit scheduled on the sidelines of the Summit,” he added.

Modi also said he looked forward to meeting members of the Indian diaspora in South Africa, one of the largest Indian communities outside the country.

The prime minister is expected to speak in all three sessions of the G20 Summit. The discussions will cover “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind,” focusing on trade, development financing and debt challenges.

Other sessions will address “A Resilient World – the G20's Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Just Energy Transitions, Food Systems"; and "A Fair and Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence."

This will be the fourth consecutive G20 Summit held in the Global South.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are not attending the summit.

PTI inputs