Bharat’s G20 Presidency: An Ode to India-Africa Friendship

Under the framework of the Group of Twenty (G20) presidency, India hosted the final summit on September 9 and 10 in the presence of more than 40 world leaders, including the G20 Heads of State or their representatives.^[1] And one major outcome of the event, arguably the most significant, was that India successfully secured a permanent place in the Group of 20 for the African Union (AU), the continental body of 55 member-states.

Despite critics predicting a deadlock over the Ukraine crisis, India also successfully led the conference in crafting a consensus-driven joint declaration, “Delhi Declaration.”^[2] Additionally, the decision to create the Global Biofuels Alliance and to launch the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor will have a significant geopolitical impact in the coming days.^[3] Therefore, it was no wonder that several participating countries, including the USA, lauded the event as a great success.^[4]

As the world is fractured over narrow political, economic, and social interests, it was an arduous task to bring together global economic and political leaders to find collective actions and collaborative approaches to solving global problems. Therefore, this unprecedented success of the 18th G20 summit is indeed a strong statement for reformed multilateralism and moreover, a watershed moment of Indian diplomacy.

Yet, to the core, the 18th G20 under the Indian Presidency was fundamentally an ode to India-Africa friendship. Among all that has been achieved, the inclusion of the AU into G20 is arguably the most significant achievement in the history of G20. Undoubtedly, a large portion of the credit belongs to the leadership of Indian PM Narendra Modi and his team’s unwavering commitment towards raising the voice of the global south.^[5]

Africa’s Quest for Global Voice

For several years, African governments and the AU have been striving to for a stronger voice in global platforms such as G20. Early in January 2023, India hosted a virtual summit dubbed the ‘Voice of the Global South Summit’, which brought together the leaders of over 100 developing and underdeveloped countries.^[6] The call for the AU’s membership in the G20 was one of the primary outcomes of the summit. Further, in June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent letters to all his G20 counterparts pleading to grant the African Union permanent representation during the final summit.^[7]
This was followed by a formal request of AU under the chairmanship of Macky Sall, President of Senegal, in February 2023 during the AU.^[8] The summit reaffirmed the need for Africa to get directly involved in the decision-making processes concerning global governance issues as they have equal implications for Africa as much as the rest of the world.

And the most defining moment of the 18th G20 summit came during the opening hour of the event when PM Modi announced the updated status of AU as a permanent member with three bangs of the Presidential gavel.^[9] PM Modi got up from his chair to offer Comoros President and union chairman Azali Assoumani a long, friendly hug.^[10] S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, accompanied President Assoumani to his rightful place at the table with his nameplate.^[11] And thus, history was made as the African Union joined the elite Group of 20 as a permanent member. In the G20 grouping, the African Union (AU) now has the same status as the European Union, previously the only regional bloc with a full membership.

Clearly, the African continent benefited well from India’s leadership of the G20, as the AU’s bid to become a permanent member of the Group has gathered momentum. The inclusion of the AU in G20 resonates well with the fundamental principles of Bharat, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, or one planet, one family, one future.^[12]

Implications for AU’s Joining G20

Officials and academics have long debated the merits of the AU joining the G20 as a full member. Those in favour contend that the G20 will become more inclusive and influential with the AU’s participation. Then, it will speak for nearly 80% of humanity, as opposed to just 65% now.^[13]Thus, it will strengthen the Group’s moral standing and advance the cause of justice and fairness. The inclusion of the AU in the G20 might also broaden international alliances and create new opportunities for collaboration. For instance, substantial changes to international financial institutions and multilateral development banks were one of the main outcomes of the just-finished first Africa climate summit. AU will now have a suitable forum for advancing its concerns.

Nevertheless, Africa’s path to global recognition is paved with several obstacles. The AU was founded in 2002 on the fundamental ideas and shared ideals of African unification, solidarity, and consensus.^[14] Yet, AU’s performance thus far does not appear well aligned with its potential or reflect shared values. AU members need to present a cohesive front in global forums. Extreme poverty, political unrest, and threats to peace and security constitute daunting challenges for the continent that require international cooperation and coordinated action. The AU must unite, work together, and take collective actions to address the specific needs of Africa. This cannot happen if member states speak with discordant voices.

For instance, the AU is putting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement into effect in order to create a single market on the continent. On January 1st, 2021, the largest free trade area in the world officially became operational with much fanfare.^[15] However, two years after trading under the AfCFTA started, the initiative has not gained momentum. The COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of agreement on the rules of origin for particular product lines are just two of the factors that have caused the implementation of the single continental market to be delayed.^[16] However, the fact that 10 of the 54 signatories chose not to ratify it highlights the discord among its member states.^[17]

Another great illustration of how the African House is still divided after numerous rounds of debate in various forums is the ongoing war in Ukraine.^[18] The fact that the AU recognises Western Sahara as a member state despite not being recognised by two-thirds of its members is another example of the disagreement among its members.^[19] Again, there were so many differences of opinion on Israel’s observer status in the African Union during the 2022 annual summit of the AU that the discussion had to be tabled in order to prevent an unbridgeable divide among its members.^[20]

Implication for India-Africa Relations

The Kampala Principles, enunciated by Prime Minister Modi in Uganda’s parliament in 2018, serve as the foundation for India’s cooperation with Africa.^[21] The India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) has formalised this partnership. Since its inception in 2008, the IAFS has emerged as one of African leaders’ largest regular diplomatic gatherings. There have been three editions of IAFS, held in India in 2008, Ethiopia in 2011, and India again in 2015.^[22] Fifty-four nations from Africa participated in the 2015 Summit, a historic milestone.^[23]The IAFS 4, scheduled to take place in 2021, got postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now will take place anytime soon.^[24] In any case, the AU’s entry into G20 will provide India with another platform to engage with Africa at a continental level.

In addition to enabling the AU’s admission to the G20 club, Indian PM Modi also had side meetings with the presidents of Nigeria and Comoros, who were also special invitees to the gathering. The 2050 Africa’s Maritime Strategy and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (2019) of the African Union (AU) align with the SAGAR project and India’s draft policy statement on the blue economy. Collaboration between India and African countries to build the “Blue Economy” will benefit the economy and maritime security. Additionally, given its location, Comoros is poised to significantly impact India’s Sagar vision.^[25]

On the other hand, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu attended the G20 summit to use these alliances to entice investment in vital industries, including steel, petrochemicals, power production, and defence. With a GDP of $510 billion, Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and also most populous nation.^[26] With enormous room for expansion, the President visited India with a high-level delegation that included four Ministers: Foreign Affairs, Finance, and coordination of the economy, as well as Communications, innovation, and the digital economy and Industry, trade, and investment.^[27] And to his credit, Nigeria has received investment pledges from several Indian companies and the Indian government, totalling close to $14 billion.^[28] Even before the start of G20, Indian powerhouses like Jindal Steel and Power have committed significant investments in Nigeria.^[29]

Nigeria has also earned a $1 billion partnership with the Indian government to bolster the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.^[30] In three years, this would assist Nigeria in achieving at least 40% self-sufficiency in the manufacturing and production of defence equipment. Nigeria is particularly interested in purchasing Indian-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) “Prachand,” Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) “Dhruv.”^[31] Nigeria is also interested in technology transfers for drones and more modern armoured personnel carriers. All of these will greatly increase India’s collaboration with Nigeria and other countries.

Way Forward

Today, the G20 occupies a prominent position in defining answers to major global concerns like economic growth, climate catastrophe, energy transition, sustainable development, debt burdens, women’s empowerment, and the digital economy as the world’s leading forum for international economic and other cooperation. Meanwhile, African communities are disproportionately susceptible to the consequences of global issues. Therefore, Afrocentric leadership and voices are essential for any real solution. With a seat at the main G20 table, Africa will finally have a direct say in all discussions and decisions. African nations have a rightful place at the table.

On the other hand, with several tangible outcomes, India’s decisive leadership and championing the voice of the global south was globally applauded. With its effort in securing a permanent place for the African Union in the grouping, India proved the sincerity of its global message, “one earth, one family, one future”. Now that India is back in the thick of global geopolitics, chairing summits, navigating difficult choices and negotiating a place at the high table of global governance, the time is opportune to hold the eagerly anticipated India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS).
The last India-Africa Forum Summit was held in 2015 in New Delhi. Since then, a lot has changed geopolitically, economically, and global priorities. In order to build on the successes of earlier summits and to cater to the needs of the evolving global landscape, it is imperative that India hosts the fourth summit. To conclude, if we consider the G20 consensus and the inclusion of the African Union as the starting point, the following IAFS meeting will be the true defining moment for Bharat in championing the causes of the global south.

Endnotes

^[1] “G20 Summit 2023: Here is the full schedule for September 9 and where you can track it”. CNBCTV18. September 9, 2023. https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/g20-summit-2023-september-9-full-schedule-where-to-track-one-earth-one-family-sessions-bilateral-meetings-pm-modi-17757481.htm [3]
^[2]Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. September 9, 2023 https://www.mea.gov.in/Images/CPV/G20-New-Delhi-Leaders-Declaration.pdf [4]
^[3]Shreya Jai. “Global Biofuel Alliance, UK-Middle-East economic corridor launched at G20”. Business Standard. September 9, 2023. https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/global-biofuel-alliance-uk-middle-east-economic-corridor-launched-at-g20-123090901054_1.html [5]
^[4] “‘Absolutely believe it was a success’: US praises India for G20 Leaders' Summit”. India Today. September 12, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/absolute-success-g20-summit-world-leaders-us-praises-india-mega-event-2434469-2023-09-12 [6]
^[5] “Union Cabinet passes resolution praising PM Modi for success of G20 Summit”. David Course. September 13, 2023. https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/2591856-union-cabinet-passes-resolution-praising-pm-modi-for-success-of-g20-summit [7]
^[6]“At Voice of Global South summit, PM Modi gives mantra of ‘Respond, Recognise, Respect, Reform’”. Indian Express. January 12, 2023. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/voice-of-global-south-summit-pm-narendra-modi-8377003/ [8]
^[7]Kallol Bhattacherjee. “Months after President Biden, PM Modi calls for G-20 membership for African Union”. The Hindu. June 18, 2023. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/months-after-president-biden-pm-modi-calls-for-g-20-membership-for-african-union/article66981025.ece [9]
^[8]Geeta Mohan. “‘This time for Africa’: What India's proposal to add African Union to G20 means.” India Today. September 1, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/this-time-for-africa-what-indias-proposal-to-add-african-union-to-g20-means-2429623-2023-09-01 [10]
^[9] “PM welcomes African Union into G20 with hug, urges to end global trust deficit”. India Today. September 9, 2023. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/african-union-joins-g20-pm-modi-welcomes-permanent-member-world-leaders-delhi-2433300-2023-09-09 [11]
^[10]Sachin Parasar. “Sabka Saath: PM Modi welcomes African Union to G20”. The Times of India. September 10, 2023. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103541378.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst [12]
^[11]Rajiv Bhatia. “Waka Waka Africa, this time by India”. Hindustan Times. September 12, 2023. https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/waka-waka-africa-this-time-by-india-101694526307475.html [13]
^[12] “India’s G20 presidency theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ global road map for inclusive development: President Murmu”. Indian Express. September 9, 2023. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indias-g20-presidency-theme-president-droupadi-murmu-welcome-8931447/#:~:text=The%20theme%20for%20India's%20G20,Droupadi%20Murmu%20said%20on%20Saturday.
^[13] “African Union in G20”. The Tribune. September 11, 2023.
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/african-union-in-g20-543111 [14]
^[14]Samir Bhattacharya. “United States of Africa: Ultimate Dream of a Pan-Africanist”. Vivekananda International Foundation. June 20, 2022. https://www.vifindia.org/article/2022/june/20/united-states-of-africa-ultimate-dream-of-a-pan-africanist [15]
^[15]Gerhard Erasmus,Trudi Hartzenberg. “Trade under AfCFTA Rules started on 1 January 2021, but hard work lies ahead”. Tralac. February 10, 2021. https://www.tralac.org/blog/article/15087-trade-under-afcfta-rules-started-on-1-january-2021-but-hard-work-lies-ahead.html [16]
^[16]Elliot Smith. “Africa’s free trade area is delayed by the coronavirus, but experts say it’s vital to recovery”. CNBC. May 26, 2020. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/26/afcfta-is-delayed-by-the-coronavirus-experts-say-its-vital-to-recovery.html [17]
^[17]Kate Hairsine. “Africa's AfCFTA free trade agreement takes baby steps”. DW. May 12, 2022. https://www.dw.com/en/africas-afcfta-free-trade-agreement-takes-baby-steps/a-63983721 [18]
^[18]Samir Bhattacharya. “Africa’s dilemma in the Russia-Ukraine crisis”. Hindustan Times. April 12, 2022. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/international-affairs/africas-dilemma-in-the-russia-ukraine-crisis-101649614974564.html [19]
^[19]Paul-Simon Handy and Félicité Djilo. “Is Africa ready for meaningful participation in the G20?”. Intitute of Security Studies. May 23, 2023. https://issafrica.org/iss-today/is-africa-ready-for-meaningful-participation-in-the-g20 [20]
^[20]Samir Bhattacharya. “Explaining Israel's Africa policy”. Hindustan Times. March 2, 2022. https://www.hindustantimes.com/ht-insight/international-affairs/explaining-israel-s-africa-policy-101646172133564.html [21]
^[21]Abhishek Mishra. “Dr. S. Jaishankar’s Africa sojourn demonstrates continuity in India-Africa engagement”. Observer Research Foundation. April 18, 2023. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/continuity-in-india-africa-interaction-is-shown-by-dr-s-jaishankar/ [22]
^[22]Rajen Harshe. “India, Africa, a new story”. Indian Express. November 3, 2015. https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-africa-summit-opened-up-space-to-reinvent-an-old-relationship/ [23]
^[23]H.H.S. Viswanathan. “PM Modi’s Africa tour decoded: A strong imprint in the continent”. Observer Research Foundation. July 30, 2018. https://www.orfonline.org/research/42856-pm-modis-africa-tour-decoded-a-strong-imprint-in-the-continent/ [24]
^[24]Gurjit Singh. “It’s time for Africa”. Observer Research Foundation. May 5, 2023. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/its-time-for-africa/ [25]
^[25] “Comoros is vital to India’s SAGAR Vision': PM Modi after African Union’s inclusion in G20” ANI. September 10, 2023.
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/comoros-is-vital-to-indias-sagar-vision-pm-modi-after-african-unions-inclusion-in-g2020230910173821/ [26]
^[26]Uri Friedman. “How Nigeria Became Africa's Largest Economy Overnight”. The Atlantic. April 7, 2014. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2014/04/how-nigeria-became-africas-largest-economy-overnight/360288/ [27]
^[27] “Tinubu arrives India for G20 Summit, business meetings”. Premium Times. September 5, 2023. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/619677-tinubu-arrives-india-for-g20-summit-business-meetings.html [28]
^[28]Sounak Mukhopadhyay. “India’s $14-billion investment commitments to Nigeria: ‘Ready to give you the best returns,’ says President Bola Tinubu”. Live Mint. September 7, 2023. https://www.livemint.com/news/world/indias-14-billion-investment-commitments-to-nigeria-ready-to-give-you-the-best-returns-says-president-bola-tinubu-11694047488649.html [29]
^[29]Abhay Rathor. “Ahead Of G20 Summit, Indian Investors Pledge Over $14 Billion In Key Sectors Of Nigeria”. Swarajya Magazine. September 8, 2023. https://swarajyamag.com/foreign-affairs/ahead-of-g20-summit-indian-investors-pledge-over-14-billion-in-key-sectors-of-nigeria [30]
^[30]Ritu Sharma. “Nigeria To Ink $1B Military Deal with India to Help Boost the African Nation’s Defense Industry – Reports”. Eurasian Times. September 8, 2023. https://www.eurasiantimes.com/india-nigeria-ink-1b-military-deal-delhi-to-help-african-nation/ [31]
^[31]Ritu Sharma. “India’s LCA Tejas, ALH Dhruv & LCH Prachand Draw Nigeria’s Interest; HAL Provides 1st Demonstration.” Eurasian Times. September 12, 2023. https://www.eurasiantimes.com/interest-as-the-african-country-looks-to-boost-air-power/ [32]

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