New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a trip to Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit.

This marks the fourth consecutive G20 Summit being hosted in the Global South. During the Summit, the Prime Minister will present India’s viewpoints regarding the G20 agenda. It is anticipated that he will address all three sessions of the Summit,” stated the MEA.

The three session titles include: Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth - Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies; the role of trade; financing for development and the debt burden; A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems; and, A Fair and a Just Future for All: Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence.

On the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to engage in a series of bilateral meetings with various leaders present in Johannesburg.

As per the MEA, PM Modi will take part in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting, being hosted by South Africa.

Before the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, Anil Sooklal, the High Commissioner of South Africa to India, praised the ongoing efforts and contributions made by the Indian PM to meet the collective aspirations of the Global South.

“It is widely acknowledged that Prime Minister Modi enjoys tremendous respect globally, particularly across the African continent. He is held in high esteem in South Africa, where he is regarded as a pivotal global leader championing issues pertaining to the Global South, including Africa. This visit marks PM Modi's fourth trip to South Africa in under a decade, making him one of the most frequent Indian Prime Ministers to visit the country. This is also reflected in the numerous visits by President Droupadi Murmu to various African nations since taking office. This underscores the significance India places on its relationship with the African continent, including South Africa,” Sooklal expressed in an exclusive interview with IANS.

India, under the leadership of PM Modi, has played a crucial role in facilitating the African Union's membership in the G20, a milestone achievement during India's G20 presidency in 2023.

“We must remember that it was through his initiatives, and those of the Indian government, that the African Union was successfully included as a full member of the G20 during India's presidency in 2023. The leaders from the African continent have expressed their appreciation for the role that India, particularly Prime Minister Modi, has played in ensuring the AU's membership,” Sooklal added.

The G20 Leaders' Summit is scheduled to occur on November 22 and 23 in Johannesburg, the largest city and economic center of South Africa.