Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg marked one of the most significant diplomatic moments of 2025. Hosted for the first time on African soil, the summit spotlighted the Global South’s rising voice, South Africa’s leadership, and India’s expanding global influence.
From a high-stakes US boycott to climate finance breakthroughs, critical mineral frameworks and Modi’s powerful six-point agenda, the three-day gathering witnessed remarkable geopolitical shifts that could shape global policy for years ahead.
Key Takeaways from the Johannesburg G20 Summit 2025
G20 Summit 2025 Key Developments and India’s Strategic Influence
- PM Modi proposed six major G20-led initiatives, including drug-terror crackdown, Africa skills multiplier and a global healthcare response team.
- G20 adopted its declaration despite a US boycott, sparking strong political reactions.
- Australia, Canada and India launched the ACITI Partnership to boost technology and innovation.
- Climate finance commitments pushed from “billions to trillions”, highlighting developing nations’ urgent needs.
- G20 backed a new Critical Minerals Framework to empower Global South mineral-producing economies.
- Disaster risk reduction, food security and digital public infrastructure were strongly reinforced.
- Global conflicts including Ukraine, Sudan and DR Congo were acknowledged with calls for “just, comprehensive and lasting peace.”
Johannesburg Hosts Historic First G20 Summit on African Soil
The 2025 G20 Leaders’ Summit opened in Johannesburg with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirming his nation’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the G20 and ensuring the priorities of the Global South were central to the agenda. The theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” reflected Africa’s long-standing development aspirations, including disaster resilience, debt sustainability and critical minerals-driven growth.
PM Modi, who received a warm and culturally rich welcome upon landing, noted that this summit was especially meaningful as it marked four consecutive G20 summits hosted in the Global South — Indonesia, India, Brazil, and now South Africa.
PM Modi’s 6-Point Agenda Sets the Tone for Global Cooperation
In his address during the opening session on “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind,” PM Modi emphasized the need to rethink global development parameters, especially with the summit being held in Africa for the first time.
He proposed six transformative initiatives:
1. G20 Global Traditional Knowledge Repository
To document and share sustainable, time-tested traditional wisdom across the world, supported by India’s Indian Knowledge Systems initiative.
2. G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative
A train-the-trainer model aiming to create one million certified trainers across African nations within a decade.
3. G20 Global Healthcare Response Team
A rapid-deployment medical force to respond to global health emergencies and disasters.
4. G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership
Sharing satellite data of G20 space agencies with developing countries for agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management.
5. G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative
Focused on recycling, second-life batteries, innovation and strengthening supply chain security.
6. G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug–Terror Nexus
A coordinated action plan to curb drug trafficking and dismantle drug-terror financial networks.
Modi stressed that Integral Humanism, rooted in India’s civilisational wisdom, provides a balanced path between development and environmental harmony.
ACITI Partnership: India, Australia and Canada Boost Innovation
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi met Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Canadian PM Mark Carney, announcing the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
This collaboration aims to accelerate joint progress in digital innovation, emerging technologies and scientific cooperation.
Modi also held separate meetings with world leaders including the UK’s Keir Starmer, France’s Emmanuel Macron, Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung, Brazil’s Lula da Silva, the UN’s Antonio Guterres, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.
US Boycott Sparks High-Stakes Political Drama
One of the most defining moments came when the summit proceeded without any US participation, following directives from President Donald Trump. Washington criticized the declaration, accusing South Africa of “weaponising” the presidency, while Trump alleged discriminatory policies against white Afrikaners.
Despite American objections, the G20 successfully adopted its declaration — a major diplomatic victory for the host nation and the Global South.
Climate Finance, Critical Minerals and Disaster Resilience Take Center Stage
The G20 declaration recognized developing countries’ need for USD 5.8-5.9 trillion in climate finance before 2030, emphasizing dramatic scaling from “billions to trillions.”
It endorsed:
- Stronger early warning systems
- Sustainable consumption and India’s LiFE agenda
- Investments for Africa’s energy transition
- Deccan Principles on Food Security
- Support for the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
A major highlight was the approval of a G20 Critical Minerals Framework, aimed at ensuring that resource-rich nations, particularly in the Global South, receive fair benefits from their natural wealth.
Global Conflicts Surface in Sideline Discussions
Though Ukraine appeared only briefly in the declaration, Western leaders kept the conflict central in sideline talks, especially after controversial details of Trump’s 28-point peace plan were leaked. The G20 appealed for lasting peace in Ukraine, Sudan, DR Congo and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Spiritual Guidance by Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj
In a world facing rising geopolitical tensions, climate challenges and social fragmentation, the unique spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj provides a balanced, solution-oriented approach rooted in peace, equality and human unity. His teachings emphasise eliminating suffering through true devotion as described in the sacred scriptures, promoting a lifestyle aligned with non-violence, compassion and universal brotherhood.
As global leaders search for sustainable models of development, Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji’s message highlights that lasting progress is possible only when humanity embraces moral living, social harmony and the eternal guidance of the Supreme God.
A Defining Moment for Global South Leadership
The Johannesburg summit marked a historic expansion of Global South influence, building on India’s 2023 G20 presidency. With strong positions on climate justice, disaster resilience, traditional knowledge, digital innovation and critical minerals, the summit highlighted a shift towards more inclusive global governance.
As South Africa reinforced the African Union’s growing role and India advanced a bold reform-centric agenda, the G20 2025 Summit emerged as a turning point in shaping a more equitable world order.
FAQs on G20 Summit 2025 in Johannesburg
1. What were the major highlights of the G20 Summit 2025?
The summit focused on PM Modi’s six-point agenda, climate finance, critical minerals, Global South priorities, and the adoption of the declaration despite a US boycott.
2. Why did the United States boycott the G20 Summit 2025?
The US boycotted after President Trump accused South Africa of discriminatory policies and opposed the declaration drafted without American participation.
3. What initiatives did PM Modi propose at the G20 Summit 2025?
PM Modi proposed six initiatives including a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, Africa Skills Multiplier, Healthcare Response Team, Open Satellite Data Partnership, and a Drug–Terror Nexus crackdown.
4. What is the ACITI Partnership announced at the summit?
The ACITI Partnership is a collaborative technology and innovation initiative launched by Australia, Canada and India to boost digital progress and scientific cooperation.
5. What were the key global issues addressed in the G20 declaration?
The declaration highlighted climate finance needs, critical minerals framework, disaster resilience, food security, safe development, and global peace in Ukraine, Sudan and DR Congo.
