The African Union became a permanent member of the G20 on Saturday as leaders of the world’s largest economies gathered in New Delhi for a summit that will focus on pressing global challenges under the shadow of the Ukraine crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement during a brief televised inaugural session that the 55-member African Union would become the G20’s first new member to deal with a series of financial crises.
India Proposed African Union Membership In Televised Session
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the decision to include the 55-member African bloc as the G20’s first new member since 1999 in a brief televised inaugural session to deal with a series of financial crises.
“India had made the proposal that the African Union should be granted permanent membership in the G20 in accordance with the sentiment of sabka saath, which is shared by everyone. In Hindi, Modi stated, “I believe we are all in agreement on this proposal.”
Will Have the Same Status as the European Union (EU)
According to people who are familiar with the situation, the draft leaders’ declaration that the G20 states are currently negotiating has included the admission of the African Union, which was established in 2002. It is anticipated that the African Union will have the same status as the European Union (EU), which has 27 members and is the only regional bloc with full G20 membership.
Japan Supported The Move To Give African Countries
In addition to the EU, important G7 members like Japan supported the initiative to give African nations, which are part of the Global South, more control over the architecture of global governance.
China was hesitant to be viewed as conflicting with the move considering its enormous interests in Africa through the Belt and Street Drive, while Russia has been quick to charm over additional states to counter its confinement by the West over the Ukraine struggle.
India Positioned Itself as The ‘Voice Of South Asia’
India has also positioned itself as the “voice of the Global South” during its G20 presidency, and the push to get the African Union into the bloc of the world’s wealthiest economies was part of these efforts.