Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi and President Cyril Ramphosa
MUMBAI - South Africa and India have several shared priorities ahead of the G20 summit.
Development, inclusive growth, and a push to mobilise finance needed to adapt to - and mitigate - the impact of climate change, are among the areas both countries have placed at the top of their agenda.
After hosting the G20 in 2023, experts say India has an opportunity to build on that role this year – and position itself as a voice for developing countries, often referred to as the “Global South”.
“India has both the credibility and responsibility to shape global outcomes at the G20,” said Anup Garg, Founder and Director, World of Circular Economy, a global sustainability solutions consulting firm.
During its presidency, India pushed for the G20 to become more inclusive - a move that saw the African Union becoming a permanent member.
Experts say that in Johannesburg, India will help to make a case for commitments from other G20 members on climate finance and technology transfer for developing economies, for example.
Mobilising finance and technical assistance are much needed to help bring down carbon emissions, Mr Garg explains, adding that he expects India to champion these issues at the G20.
“India and South Africa share strong synergies on these fronts,” said Mr Garg.
“We need South-South collaboration because both advocate for equitable access to climate finance and responsible critical-minerals governance.”
Debt sustainability for low-income nations is another matter that India is eager to work on.
India's foreign minister, S Jaishankar, earlier this year at a G20 objectives session in Johannesburg, said that South Africa's agenda closely aligns with India's own focus.
“We are supportive of the priorities of the South African Presidency,” Mr Jaishankar said. “They gel with what India has advocated both nationally as well as during its own G20 Presidency.
“South Africa’s endeavour to address through task forces the challenges of inclusive economic growth, food security and AI for sustainable development are commendable.”
In India, these issues “are very much at the core of our human-centric policies”, Mr Jaishankar added.
With the G20 summit coming up, India will have a prime opportunity to reinforce those priorities on the global stage - and to work with South Africa to press for progress.
There has not been any official statement yet on India's prime minister Narendra Modi's visit. It is, however, being reported by Indian media that he is expected to travel Johannesburg next week to attend the summit.
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Mr Modi has attended every G20 since he came to power in 2014.