Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday to attend the G20 Summit — marking the first time the event is being hosted on African soil. This year’s summit revolves around the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

During his visit, PM Modi is expected to speak at three key sessions. Before departure, he stated that India will share its viewpoint based on the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and the idea of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

The visit carries added importance as it comes a year after the African Union was officially welcomed as a permanent member of the G20 under India’s presidency in 2023. The summit will also see India push forward its efforts to amplify the concerns and priorities of the Global South. Recent leadership by emerging nations — including Indonesia, India, and Brazil — has led to rising expectations for developing economies in global governance.

Notably, Chinese President Xi Jinping will not be attending the gathering.