African Union becomes permanent member of G20 under India’s presidency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the African Union (AU) has been given permanent participation in the G20 largest economies in the world during the opening session of the two-day G20 Summit. 

This statement heralded the AU’s admission as a new member of this important international association, which consists of 55 countries, as reported by PTI.

Azali Assoumani, president of the Union of Comoros and head of the AU, accepted the seat as a full member of the G20 summit shortly after the announcement.

“In keeping with the sentiment of sabka saath (with everyone), India had proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we all are in agreement on this proposal. With your agreement (he banged the gavel thrice),” Modi said.

“Before we start our work, I invite the AU president as a permanent member to take his position,” he said.

India has deliberately positioned itself as a major champion in recent years, bringing attention to the concerns, challenges, and ambitions of the Global South, notably the African continent. 

Leading these initiatives has been Prime Minister Modi, particularly when he pushed for the G20 to admit the African Union as a member. Modi took the initiative in June by writing to the G20 country heads and pleading with them to grant the AU full participation at the New Delhi summit.

A few weeks later, the suggestion was incorporated into the summit’s official drafting communiqué. This addition took place at the third G20 Sherpas gathering, which took place in July in Hampi, Karnataka.

A prominent organization with 55 member states that together represent the countries on the African continent is the African Union (AU).

Modi stated that Africa is a “top priority” for India and that it seeks to include individuals in international affairs who believe their views are not being heard in an exclusive interview given to PTI earlier this month.

In 1999, the G20 was formed in response to many economic crises throughout the world.

Together, the G20 members represent more than 75% of global commerce, almost two-thirds of the world’s population, and around 85% of the world’s GDP.

Along with the newest member, the G20 is composed of the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union (EU).