Washington, Dec 5 (NationPress) The United States, which took on the presidency of the Group of 20 as of December 1, announced that it will not include South Africa in the upcoming 2026 G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami. This decision stems from allegations against the ANC-led government of undermining the forum's economic objectives, exhibiting hostility towards the US, and engaging in sabotage.

New Delhi is anticipated to monitor these developments closely, especially following India’s own recent presidency and its ongoing influence on G20 initiatives.

Elaborating on the US strategy for the 2026 cycle, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the G20's focus will revert to essential objectives centered on economic growth.

In a post published on Substack, Rubio emphasized that the United States plans to underscore “innovation, entrepreneurship, and perseverance” during the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, aiming to prioritize “eliminating regulatory obstacles, securing energy supply chains, and fostering new technologies and innovations.”

The initial Sherpa and Finance Track meetings are set to occur in Washington on December 15–16, culminating in the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Miami in December 2026.

Rubio confirmed that the US will extend invitations to “friends, neighbors, and partners of America,” including Poland, which he noted has now joined the ranks of the world’s 20 largest economies. He argued that Poland’s inclusion reflects its successful adoption of reforms and a forward-looking vision.

In stark contrast, he directed a broad critique at South Africa’s governance, claiming that post-Mandela, the government has shifted from reconciliation to policies focused on redistribution that deter investment and have driven many talented South Africans abroad. He stated that “racial quotas have crippled the private sector, while corruption has bankrupted the state,” thus placing the country outside the group of the 20 largest industrialized economies.

Rubio accused the ANC of targeting minorities and the United States, alleging a troubling trend of racism and violence against its Afrikaner population. He pointed to South Africa’s connections with Iran, its engagement with Hamas sympathizers, and its proximity to “America’s greatest adversaries.”

He remarked that South Africa’s presidency of the G20 this year has “damaged the G20’s reputation” by promoting “spite, division, and radical agendas,” including an excessive focus on climate change, diversity and inclusion, and aid dependency. He accused Pretoria of disregarding US concerns, obstructing inputs from Washington and other nations, and “doxing US officials involved in negotiations.”

“For these reasons,” Rubio concluded, “President Trump and the United States will not be inviting the South African government.” He added that the US “stands with the people of South Africa, but not with its radical ANC-led leadership.”

A media note from the State Department reaffirmed the US presidency and reiterated its commitment to economic growth, energy security, and technological innovation. The G20 Leaders’ Summit is scheduled for Miami in December 2026.

Established in 1999 and elevated to a leaders’ level in 2008, the G20 comprises advanced and major emerging economies that drive global economic growth. The last time the US hosted the G20 was in 2009 when global leaders convened in Pittsburgh to coordinate responses to the financial crisis.

India, which successfully navigated the 2023 G20 to achieve consensus amidst geopolitical tensions, has prioritized inclusive growth, digital innovation, resilient supply chains, and development financing—areas that align with several US priorities for 2026. New Delhi is expected to observe the US presidency closely, particularly as Washington reshapes membership participation and reorients the forum towards advanced technology governance.