PM Modi Unveils 6-Point Agenda at G20 as US Boycotts
At the 2025 G20 Johannesburg Summit hosted by South Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined a six-point agenda aimed at strengthening global cooperation in areas such as countering drug-trafficking, health emergencies, skills development in Africa, traditional knowledge exchange, satellite data sharing and a framework for critical minerals.
Climate Deal Adopted Despite US Absence
The summit adopted a broad declaration focusing on climate finance, clean energy transition, debt relief for developing nations and critical mineral resource frameworks. The Donald Trump-led United States chose to boycott the leaders’ meeting, refusing to endorse the document and raising objections to its climate-related language and the summit’s African agenda.
Africa and the Global South Take Centre Stage
With South Africa chairing the G20 for the first time on the continent, hosts emphasised the themes of solidarity, equality and sustainability. The agenda spotlighted support for Africa in skills training and traditional knowledge and proposed a shift toward inclusive global governance that reflects voices of the Global South.
Challenges and What’s Next
While India’s proposals have been welcomed by many member states, turning them into action will require funding commitments, institutional mechanisms and coordination across countries. The US boycott also raises questions about the summit’s cohesion and how effectively its outcomes will be implemented in absence of one of the key economies.
