New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) India expressed enthusiasm on Thursday regarding the upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate.

"This summit will be crucial for India to maintain the momentum of its priorities within the G20 framework following a successful presidency in 2023. The G20 has established itself as a vital platform for international economic collaboration and discussions on critical global issues. It serves as a prime venue for leaders from both major and emerging economies, who together represent over 85% of global GDP and approximately three-quarters of the world’s population, to convene and address significant topics affecting the globe," stated Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary of Economic Relations at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), during a press briefing prior to the Prime Minister's visit to South Africa.

Between November 21-23, Modi will attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This marks the fourth consecutive G20 Summit located in the Global South and also the first on African soil, alongside the Prime Minister's fourth official trip to South Africa, following visits in 2016 and participation in two BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.

The MEA indicated that Prime Minister Modi intends to share India’s viewpoints on the G20 agenda and is anticipated to speak during all three summit sessions. These discussions will revolve around themes such as Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth, the role of trade, financing development amidst debt challenges, disaster risk reduction, climate change, just energy transitions, food systems, critical minerals, decent work, and artificial intelligence.

According to Secretary Dalela, South Africa has pinpointed four main priority areas for its G20 presidency this year: enhancing disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income nations, mobilizing finance for a just energy transition, and utilizing critical minerals to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.

He emphasized that this summit holds significance for India in upholding its priorities after a successful presidency in 2023.

"The Indian G20 presidency previously established a Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, reflecting India’s commitment to this issue. The South African presidency has continued this vital work on disaster risk reduction and resilience as part of its key objectives, as well as ongoing discussions on food security through the Task Force on Food Security," he added.

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to engage in several important bilateral meetings with fellow leaders attending in Johannesburg. He will also take part in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by South Africa.

"The Johannesburg Summit will also signify the successful conclusion of the G20 presidency held by four emerging markets and developing economies: Indonesia, India, Brazil, and now South Africa. This collaboration has collectively sharpened the focus on issues affecting the Global South," he concluded.