Last Updated: September 08, 2023, 15:39 IST
PM Narendra Modi greets delegates during the inaugural function of 52nd African Development Bank meeting in Gujarat. (PTI)
The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 would mean a diplomatic win for India as it will drive international economic cooperation
As leaders from the leading economies start arriving in New Delhi for the G20 Summit, the African Union (AU) is set to join the international grouping.
So far, China, Russia and the European Union have expressed their support for the inclusion of the African bloc in the G20.
If the negotiators agreed on clearing its membership, the 55-member African Union will join the European Union as the only two regional bodies in the G-20. However, it is still unclear whether the G-20 will be renamed as the “G-21” after the induction of the AU.
The AU membership can be a silver lining for India’s presidency as no consensus has been achieved yet on the contentious issue and top negotiators are still holding hectic parleys to thrash out the differences.
India’s stand on AU Membership
Al though 17 summits have been held since its first meeting in 2008, not once was the membership of the African Union raised by any of the host countries. In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice, flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pitching for including the African Union in the G20, writing to the leaders of the 20 nations in June, seeking the full membership of the AU at the New Delhi summit. In July, a formal proposal was formally included in the draft communique for the summit during the third G20 Sherpas meeting that took place in Karnataka’s Hampi in July.
The inclusion of AU in the Group of 20 largest economies would mean a diplomatic win for India as it will drive international economic cooperation. A final decision on the proposal would be taken at the G-20 summit.
In an interview to PTI, PM Modi said Africa is “top priority” for India and that it works for the inclusion of those in global affairs who feel their voices are not being heard.
What is the African Union?
The African Union is an influential organisation comprising 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent.
Headquartered in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, AU was launched as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 2002. Currently it is the most important regional organisation in Africa and plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and security, democratic governance and social development.
The group was formed to realise the potential of Africa to fight against colonisation with a focus on increased cooperation and integration of African states for economic development.
Some of the aims of the AU are:
- Achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and people.
- Defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of member states.
- Increase the political and socio-economic integration in Africa.
- Encourage international cooperation.
- Promote peace, security, and stability in Africa.
- Promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance in the continent.
AU Membership to Benefit India-Africa Ties
African Union’s entry will redefine the G20 from an exclusive club to an inclusive one with voices from the Global South, where more than 85% of the world resides. For India, strong ties with the AU can be a force multiplier in the United Nations, with the bloc wielding its voting power in the UN general assembly.
For Africa, India is seen as trustworthy compared to China, France, the US, and Europe. New Delhi has completed 197 projects, 65 are under execution and 81 are in the pre-execution stage in Africa.
India can seek to win more development contracts and business opportunities in African nations. India has already extended over $12.37 billion in concessional loans to Africa.
Moreover, Africa’s burgeoning market is an open opportunity for Indian businesses. In 2022-23, trade stood at $98 billion rising from $89 billion the previous year. It is expected to cross $100 billion soon.