PM Modi Leaves for Johannesburg G20 Summit Amid US Boycott: What It Means for India and the Global South?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday embarked on a three-day visit to Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in the landmark G20 Summit the first ever to be hosted on the African continent. The visit comes at a time when global geopolitical flux, US displeasure with Pretoria, and a renewed focus on Global South leadership have placed unusual spotlight on this year’s summit. PM Modi, who will present India’s vision rooted in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future), is also expected to push for deeper South–South cooperation and renewed global commitment to inclusive development.

The summit, taking place from November 22–23, comes on the heels of India’s successful G20 Presidency in 2023, during which the African Union was inducted as a permanent member of the grouping. PM Modi’s presence is being seen as critical to preserving Global South unity, especially in light of the United States’ decision to boycott official sessions an unprecedented diplomatic moment.

Before departing, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that his interventions would reflect India’s worldview of harmony and global cooperation. India is scheduled to speak in all three major sessions themed around:

• Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth
• Disaster Resilience, Climate Action, and Energy Transitions
• A Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Employment, and Artificial Intelligence

These topics build upon the developmental agenda India steered in 2023 and are aligned with South Africa’s chosen theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

PM Modi is also expected to highlight India’s positions on debt relief for poorer nations, technology-sharing models that do not replicate colonial hierarchies, and the need for resilient supply chains. One of the central talking points will be terrorism an area where India has consistently urged the global community to act against nations that fund or harbour extremist organisations.

On the sidelines, Modi will attend the 6th IBSA (India–Brazil–South Africa) Summit, strengthening trilateral cooperation that predates the BRICS grouping. Several bilateral meetings with world leaders have also been lined up.

In an unexpected move, the United States announced that it would not participate in the official discussions of the G20 Summit. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that an official from the US Embassy in South Africa would only attend the formal handover ceremony recognising America’s assumption of the 2025 presidency, but would not engage in policy dialogues.

The White House linked the boycott to what it called South Africa’s “mistreatment” of its white minority population a claim Pretoria has firmly rejected. This justification is highly unusual, as no previous US administration has ever skipped a multilateral summit citing such grounds. Analysts suggest that US President Donald Trump’s decision reflects domestic political messaging and his long-standing skepticism of global institutions.

Leavitt also criticised South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for what she described as “unfavourable” comments about the United States. Ramaphosa, had earlier, said the US had “changed its mind” at the last minute and noted that “boycott politics does not work.” He warned that he would be handing the G20 presidency to an “empty chair” if Washington stayed away.

Despite the tension, the US presence at the handover ensures that the procedural transition to the 2025 American presidency remains unaffected.

The Johannesburg Summit marks the fourth consecutive G20 Summit hosted by a Global South nation Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024), and now South Africa (2025). This continuity reflects a significant shift in global power dynamics, where emerging economies are increasingly shaping global policy.

For India, several factors make this summit particularly significant:

1. Consolidating the African Union’s Role

Since PM Modi was instrumental in securing AU’s full membership in 2023, India now seeks to ensure that Africa’s priorities such as debt restructuring, digital public infrastructure, and sustainable development remain central to G20 deliberations.

2. Strengthening South–South Cooperation

The IBSA Summit provides an opportunity for India, Brazil, and South Africa to coordinate positions on trade, technology flows, and global governance reforms.

3. Showcasing India’s Leadership on Technology and Climate

India is expected to champion the scaling up of its Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model, which has already been adopted by more than 20 developing countries. On climate issues, India will push for a just energy transition that does not burden developing nations financially.

4. Reinforcing India’s Stand Against Terrorism

PM Modi is likely to call for uncompromising action against nations supporting extremist outfits an issue that has gained urgency amid shifting global alliances.

With the United States staying away from official talks, G20 discussions will likely see a larger role for India, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, and several emerging economies. The absence of Washington from the negotiating table also provides space for stronger Global South consensus on issues where the West and developing nations traditionally differ, including:

• Reforming global financial institutions
• Climate finance
• Technology transfer
• Debt relief frameworks

However, India’s diplomatic approach is expected to remain balanced, ensuring that global economic stability is not compromised.

PM Modi’s interaction with the Indian diaspora one of the largest in South Africa will also be a key highlight of the visit, reinforcing people-to-people ties between the two nations.

The 2025 Johannesburg G20 Summit stands at a crossroads of global uncertainty, power shifts, and ideological divides. With the US boycotting official deliberations and major world powers recalibrating alliances, India’s presence takes on heightened importance. As one of the world’s largest economies and a trusted voice among developing nations India is uniquely positioned to bridge divides, stabilise global conversations, and champion inclusive growth.

PM Modi’s message of One Earth, One Family, One Future not only aligns with South Africa’s theme but also represents a long-term vision for a cooperative global order. Whether on technology, climate, development, or global security, India’s contributions at this summit will shape the G20’s direction in a world hungry for stability and fairness.