Johannesburg, Nov 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday for the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit. Upon arrival, he received a warm reception at the airport.

This significant summit is scheduled for November 22-23, during which PM Modi is anticipated to engage in multiple bilateral discussions with various global leaders attending the event.

"Just arrived in Johannesburg for the upcoming G20 Summit engagements. I'm eager for constructive conversations with world leaders on pressing global matters. Our primary aim will be to enhance cooperation, promote developmental strategies, and ensure a brighter future for everyone," PM Modi expressed on X after his arrival.

PM Modi's visit to Johannesburg is at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This marks the fourth consecutive G20 Summit hosted in the Global South and the first on African soil, as well as PM Modi's fourth official trip to South Africa, following his visits in 2016 and the two BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.

“This summit is particularly significant as it is the inaugural G20 Summit to occur in Africa. Under India’s 2023 G20 Presidency, the African Union was granted membership in the G20,” stated the Prime Minister’s departure announcement.

"The summit will serve as a platform for discussing vital global challenges. The theme for this year’s G20 is ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, which South Africa is advancing from discussions held in New Delhi, India, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I intend to present India’s viewpoint at the summit, aligned with our ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and 'One Earth, One Family, One Future,’" PM Modi remarked.

As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi will also attend the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by South Africa.

Under PM Modi's leadership, India has played a pivotal role in facilitating the African Union's inclusion in the G20, an achievement celebrated as a landmark during India’s G20 presidency in 2023.

On Thursday, India expressed optimism for a fruitful and successful G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg.

"This summit is crucial for India to maintain its priorities within the G20, following a notably successful presidency in 2023. The G20 has emerged as a vital platform for international economic collaboration as well as for addressing matters of global significance. It provides an excellent venue for leaders of major and emerging economies, representing over 85% of global GDP and nearly three-quarters of the world's population, to unite and tackle pressing issues," stated Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary of Economic Relations at the MEA, to reporters.

As reported by the MEA, PM Modi will articulate India's perspectives on the G20 agenda and is expected to speak in all three sessions of the summit, which cover topics such as Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth; Resilient World Contributions; and Fair Futures for All: Critical Minerals and AI.

"South Africa has pinpointed four priority areas for its G20 presidency this year: enhancing disaster resilience; ensuring debt sustainability for low-income nations; mobilizing financial resources for a just energy transition; and leveraging critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development," Secretary Dalela informed reporters.