G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 Kicks Off in South Africa, PM Modi Attends

Johannesburg, Nov 22, 2025: The three-day G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 officially began on Friday in South Africa, marking the first time the summit is being hosted on the African continent. This year’s theme is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”, highlighting global cooperation on pressing issues.

The summit focuses on key priorities, including strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising finance for a just energy transition, and promoting inclusive growth through critical minerals. Leaders are also expected to discuss economic, environmental, and social challenges that impact countries worldwide.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg on the evening of Nov 21 to participate in the summit. On Saturday, he held a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the summit venue. President Ramaphosa greeted PM Modi with a traditional “Namaste,” reflecting warm diplomatic ties between the two nations. Both leaders shook hands and discussed global and regional priorities on the sidelines of the summit.

During India’s G20 Presidency from December 2022 to November 2023, over 200 meetings were held across 60 cities, with participation from all 28 States and 8 Union Territories. The Presidency saw unprecedented engagement with over 100,000 attendees, including 30,000 delegates from 135 countries. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the G20 welcomed the African Union as a permanent member, reflecting India’s efforts to make the forum more inclusive and globally representative.

At the summit, PM Modi is expected to present India’s perspective on global issues, emphasizing inclusive and sustainable economic growth and policies that aim to leave no one behind. He will also hold multiple bilateral meetings with other world leaders to strengthen international cooperation on trade, climate action, and economic development.

The opening session of the summit will focus on strategies for inclusive growth and sustainable development, while subsequent sessions will address climate change, energy transition, financial stability, and global health preparedness.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 in South Africa represents a key opportunity for nations to come together, share knowledge, and strengthen global partnerships, with PM Modi actively participating to promote India’s vision for a more equitable and sustainable world.