On Saturday, during the inaugural session of the two-day G20 Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the African Union (AU) had been granted permanent membership in the Group of 20 largest economies (G20) worldwide.
In his inaugural remarks, PM Modi asked the President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), Azali Assoumani, to join other leaders at the high table, making the 55-member bloc the second multi-nation grouping after the European Union to be a permanent member of the G20.
“In keeping with the sentiment of ‘sabka saath‘ (with everyone), India had proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we all are in agreement on this proposal. “Before we start our work, I invite the AU president as a permanent member to take his position,” PM Modi said.
The African Union (AU) is a significant organization consisting of 55 member states, collectively representing the nations across the African continent.
In an interview to PTI earlier this month, Modi said Africa is a “top priority” for India and that it works for the inclusion of those in global affairs who feel their voices are not being heard.
The G20 was established in 1999 as a response to various global economic crises.
