Global South boost as African Union joins G20 Indian G20 presidency's efforts Rozaul H Laskar

The African Union became a permanent member of the G20 on Saturday at a summit of leaders of the world's largest economies in New Delhi, marking the first expansion of the bloc since it was created in 1999 to cope with a series of financial crises.

- Rezaul H Laskar

The African Union will have the same status as the 27-member European Union (EU), the only regional bloc with full membership of the G20. The move was in line with the Indian G20 presidency's efforts to put the concerns and interests of the Global South at the centre of its agenda for the summit.

In a brief televised inaugural session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the move to make the 55-member African bloc the new member of the G20.

"In keeping with the sentiment of sabka saath (with everyone), India proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we all are in agreement on this proposal," Modi said, speaking in Hindi.

After saying "with your agreement", Modi banged a gavel thrice to mark the entry of the African Union into the grouping.

"Before we start our work, I invite the African Union president to take his position as a permanent member," he said.