External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 20-21, 2025, to participate in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This visit comes at the invitation of South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has emphasized that Jaishankar’s participation aims to strengthen India’s engagement with G20 countries and amplify the voice of the Global South within this significant international forum.
During the meeting, Jaishankar is expected to hold several bilateral discussions on the sidelines, focusing on enhancing cooperation and addressing mutual concerns with other member nations. This initiative aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to champion issues pertinent to developing countries, such as equitable access to climate change funding and the reform of multilateral institutions. Notably, under India’s G20 presidency in 2023, the country played a pivotal role in facilitating the African Union’s inclusion as a full member of the G20, reflecting its commitment to promoting the interests of the Global South.
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, and will continue to lead until November 2025. The nation’s presidency is guided by the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” aiming to address interconnected global challenges such as climate change, underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, hunger, unemployment, technological shifts, and geopolitical instability. This thematic focus underscores South Africa’s dedication to fostering collective problem-solving and ensuring equitable treatment for nations across the Global South.
The G20, comprising 19 countries and the European Union, represents the world’s major economies. Collectively, G20 members account for approximately 85% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. This composition highlights the group’s significant influence over global economic and political decisions.
In the lead-up to the G20 summit, South Africa has engaged in diplomatic dialogues to ensure a seamless transition of the presidency and to align priorities. For instance, Ronald Lamola met with Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, at the Itamaraty Palace. Their discussions underscored the substantial contributions of the Global South to the G20, especially following consecutive presidencies by Indonesia, India, Brazil, and now South Africa. They also deliberated on South Africa’s agenda for its presidency, emphasizing sustainable development, social inclusion, and the reform of global governance structures.
However, the upcoming G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is not without its challenges. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced his decision to abstain from attending the summit in Johannesburg. Rubio cited concerns over certain actions by South Africa, including policies related to the expropriation of private property. He also criticized South Africa’s approach to utilizing the G20 platform to promote themes like “solidarity, equality, and sustainability,” expressing reservations about the emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and climate change initiatives.
In response, Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to its chosen themes, emphasizing the nation’s focus on collective problem-solving and equitable treatment for all countries, particularly those in the Global South. Lamola highlighted the importance of addressing pressing global issues such as rising indebtedness affecting emerging economies and the need for sustainable solutions to challenges like climate change and inequality.
Jaishankar’s visit to South Africa for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting signifies India’s ongoing dedication to multilateral diplomacy and its proactive role in global discussions. By engaging with international counterparts, India aims to advocate for the interests of developing nations, ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping global policies. This commitment reflects India’s broader foreign policy objectives of fostering international cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and working towards a more equitable global order.
As the world faces multifaceted challenges, the collaboration and consensus-building efforts at forums like the G20 are crucial. The outcomes of these meetings have the potential to influence global strategies on economic development, climate action, and social inclusion, impacting nations worldwide.
