In big win for PM Modi's global south push, African Union joins G20
African Union (AU) Saturday formally took its seat as a new member of the G20 at the invitation of summit host Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his inaugural address at the summit, Modi also expressed solidarity with Morocco as it grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and extended all the support that Rabat needs. In 2015, India had played a key role in Morocco's reinduction into the AU.
The current chair of the 55-member AU is the Comoros President, who was greeted by Modi following the announcement.
Other African countries present at the summit are Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Mauritius.
Resentment against the Chinese model of economic partnership, which has pushed certain African states into debt, has been building.
African countries are now seeking alternative partners including India. The G20 summit declaration contains initiatives aimed at African empowerment.
«Africa is a top priority for us even within the G20.
One of the first things we did during our G20 presidency was to hold the 'Voice of the Global South' summit, which had enthusiastic participation from Africa,» Modi had said earlier.
India had been pitching for the AU to be made a full member of G20 as it seeks to expand its footprint across the continent based on the goodwill toward the country amid China's major inroads into the continent. India's move has received strong backing from the US and Russia besides the EU.
