G20 : India Architect of a New Global South Consensus

Poonam Sharma
The G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 opened in Johannesburg, marking a historic moment as the prestigious gathering convened on African soil for the first time. South Africa used the opportunity to craft a narrative centred on solidarity, equality, and sustainability, three pillars that reflect the continent’s long struggle for inclusion in global decision-making forums. As world leaders converged, India—under Prime Minister Narendra Modi—emerged once again as a central anchor of the Global South, pushing for new frameworks that promise both reform and resilience.

A Summit Rooted in Africa’s Aspirations

South Africa placed special emphasis on four themes: disaster resilience, debt sustainability for low-income countries, financing a just energy transition, and building supply chains for critical minerals. These priorities speak directly to Africa’s vulnerabilities—particularly climate change, inflation shocks, and China’s dominance over mineral resources. By foregrounding these issues, the host nation sought to turn the G20 from a traditional economic coordination platform into a more socially conscious body capable of addressing developing-country realities.

The selection of Johannesburg as the venue also carries symbolic significance. It was India, during its 2022–2023 presidency, that pushed for the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent G20 member. The 2025 Summit, therefore, became a natural extension of India’s diplomatic achievement—cementing a wider shift in global power from the West towards a multipolar arrangement.

Modi’s Six Proposals: India as a Solutions Power

Prime Minister Modi arrived in South Africa with a set of six initiatives that highlight India’s transformation from a rule-taker to a rule-shaper in global governance.

Global Traditional Knowledge Repository – A cultural and scientific initiative meant to democratise access to indigenous knowledge, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and climate adaptation.

Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative – A direct attempt to deepen India–Africa cooperation through skilling, reflecting India’s long-standing commitment to capacity building on the continent.

Global Healthcare Response Team – A structured mechanism for pandemic and health-crisis preparedness, signalling India’s desire to lead global public health coordination.

Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus Initiative – A strategic security agenda projecting India’s long-standing concern over narcotics-funded terrorism, especially in Asia.

Open Satellite Data Partnership – Designed to make high-quality satellite data from G20 space agencies accessible to developing countries, strengthening climate modelling, disaster response, and agricultural planning.

Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative – A push for recycling, responsible mining, and resilient supply chains for minerals central to renewable energy.

These proposals collectively reflect India’s dual strategy: one, cementing leadership of the Global South; and two, shaping new norms around technology, sustainability, and security.

Strategic Bilateral Diplomacy: India Strengthens Global Networks

On the sidelines of the Summit, PM Modi held a flurry of high-level meetings with influential leaders, including Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, Anwar Ibrahim, Lee Jae-myung, Lula da Silva, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Each meeting served a specific purpose.

With the UK’s Keir Starmer, Modi reaffirmed a ‘new energy’ in the partnership—an indirect message that post-Brexit Britain sees India as crucial for trade and technological cooperation.

With France’s Macron, discussions reflected the broader alignment between India and France on defence autonomy and Indo-Pacific stability.

With Lula da Silva, India reinforced its South-South diplomacy, especially with Brazil’s vocal climate advocacy.

With Malaysia and South Korea, India focused on expanding tech supply chains and economic cooperation.

The most significant announcement came during a trilateral meeting with Australia’s Anthony Albanese and Canada’s Mark Carney, which resulted in the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI)—a move that strengthens India’s position in tech geopolitics despite past tensions with both countries.

Global Leaders Respond: A Mixed Climate of Consensus and Tension

The overall mood at the Summit was one of guarded cooperation. Though the U.S. chose to boycott the meeting, the remaining leaders adopted a joint declaration that reasserted multilateralism, climate responsibility, and economic equity. Importantly, the document emphasised ensuring critical mineral supply chains remain insulated from geopolitical tensions and unilateral trade restrictions, a subtle critique of China’s monopolisation.

French President Macron voiced frustration, claiming the G20 was “struggling to resolve major crises.” His remark captured the existing fragmentation in global governance, where major powers often pursue national interests over collective responsibility. Yet, the successful adoption of the Declaration suggests that middle powers—led by India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and others—are asserting increasing influence.

Brazil’s Lula da Silva celebrated the draft COP30 deal, praising science and multilateralism. His comments echoed the coalition of countries pushing back against climate pessimism and fossil-fuel dependent narratives.

India’s G20 Legacy and the Path Ahead

India’s earlier presidency was repeatedly credited during the Summit, especially for integrating the African Union and hosting 200+ meetings across all Indian states and union territories. By institutionalising inclusivity, India fundamentally repositioned the G20 as a people-centric body rather than a platform dominated by elite economies.

At Johannesburg, PM Modi continued this legacy. His initiatives—all oriented toward the Global South—position India as a nation not merely advocating for emerging economies but offering practical frameworks for their future resilience.

As geopolitical divisions sharpen and climate emergencies escalate, the G20’s relevance depends increasingly on nations willing to provide leadership through cooperation, not coercion. India’s role at the 2025 Summit suggests it is ready to shoulder that responsibility—bridging continents, delivering development solutions, and shaping the future architecture of global governance.