The MEA stated that Jaishankar’s participation will strengthen India’s engagement with G20 countries and amplify the voice of the Global South. Additionally, the EAM is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings during the meeting’s sidelines…reports Asian Lite News
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is set to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) in Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 20-21. The visit follows an invitation from South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed.
The MEA stated that Jaishankar’s participation will strengthen India’s engagement with G20 countries and amplify the voice of the Global South. Additionally, the EAM is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings during the meeting’s sidelines.
This marks the first Foreign Ministers’ Meeting under South Africa’s G20 presidency, which runs from December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025. The theme for this presidency is “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” reflecting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s emphasis on addressing a wide range of global crises. These include climate change, inequality, unemployment, and geopolitical instability.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency aims to tackle issues affecting emerging economies, particularly focusing on rising indebtedness. Ramaphosa has stressed that the presidency occurs during a time when the world faces overlapping and interconnected challenges, requiring collective solutions.
In a notable development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he would skip the G20 FMM, citing ongoing tensions between South Africa and the United States. In response, South African Foreign Minister Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to advocating for equitable treatment for Global South nations. He emphasized that the country’s G20 presidency will address more than just climate change, stressing the importance of a fair global system for all nations.
“We remain open to engaging the United States on these issues,” Lamola said, underscoring the importance of solidarity and collaborative problem-solving among G20 nations.
This high-level meeting is expected to provide a platform for discussing vital international issues and strengthening global partnerships, especially between India and other key G20 members.
