The African Union (AU) became a permanent member of the world's Group of 20 largest economies (G20) on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi declaring its admission.

Modi made the Statement during the opening session of G20:

Modi made the statement during the opening session of the two-day G20 Summit, welcoming the 55-nation AU as a new member of the organization.

Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and AU Chairperson, took his place as a full member of the G20 shortly after the announcement.

"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. With your agreement (he banged the gavel thrice) ...," Modi said.

More recently, in an editorial that has been published across newspapers, PM Modi wrote “The voice of Global South Summit, which witnessed participation from 125 countries, was one of the foremost initiatives under our Presidency. It was an important exercise to gather inputs and ideas from the Global South. Further, our Presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries but has also pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20."

Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), has arrived in the country's capital to attend this year's G20 conference, which is being hosted by India.

"Before we start our work, I invite the AU President as a permanent member to take his position," Modi added.

In recent years, India has positioned itself as a major voice highlighting the issues, challenges, and ambitions of the Global South or developing nations, particularly the African continent.

On the question of the AU's membership in the G20, Prime Minister Modi has taken the lead. In June, Modi wrote to the G20 leaders, pleading for the AU to be granted full membership in the grouping during the G20 conference in New Delhi.

The suggestion was formally included in the draft communiqué for the summit during the third G20 Sherpas conference in July in Karnataka's Hampi.

The African Union (AU) is a powerful organization with 55 member nations that comprise the African continent's governments.

In an exclusive interview with PTI earlier this month, Modi stated that Africa is India's "top priority" and that the country seeks to include individuals in world affairs who believe their voices are not being heard.

Bharat

In response to many global economic crises, the G20 was formed in 1999.

The G20 member countries account for around 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of global commerce, and almost two-thirds of global population.

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (EU) are the other members of the organization.

New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam is prepared, roads beautified, pavements floral and vibrant set to become the most powerful meeting room of the world for 2 days.

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