India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar is set to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, scheduled for February 20-21, 2025. This crucial diplomatic event will be an important opportunity for India to solidify its position within the G20 and further its efforts to represent the interests of the Global South. Jaishankar’s participation in the meeting will highlight India’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to global discussions on pressing international issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and sustainable development.
The meeting, which will take place under South Africa’s presidency of the G20, is expected to focus on issues that affect not only the G20 nations but also the broader international community. As India continues to be a leading force in global diplomacy, its involvement in this event is seen as a significant milestone in strengthening its foreign relations and enhancing its strategic positioning on the world stage.
Jaishankar’s Role in Strengthening India’s Global Engagement: Jaishankar’s attendance at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting represents a broader strategic vision by India to actively engage with key international stakeholders. The G20, which consists of 19 leading global economies and the European Union, is the premier forum for addressing the world’s most significant economic and geopolitical challenges. The presence of India at the table, therefore, is a crucial factor in promoting not only India’s own interests but also the concerns of the Global South—countries that face unique challenges in their development.
In recent years, India has increasingly played a pivotal role in shaping global discourse, especially in forums like the United Nations and the G20. Jaishankar’s diplomatic acumen, backed by India’s rapid economic growth and strategic foreign policy, is expected to guide India’s discussions on global issues such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, and the economic empowerment of emerging economies.
The Global South and India’s Advocacy: One of the most significant aspects of Jaishankar’s visit to Johannesburg is the opportunity to amplify the voice of the Global South. For many developing nations, international platforms like the G20 provide a space to advocate for their priorities, which are often overshadowed by the dominant powers of the Global North.
India, with its vast experience as a developing nation and its role as the world’s largest democracy, is in a unique position to lead this advocacy. Jaishankar’s remarks at previous international forums have often centered around the need for a fairer global economic system, one that addresses the pressing needs of poverty alleviation, climate resilience, and equitable development. The G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, under South Africa’s leadership, will provide an opportunity for India to underscore its commitment to multilateral diplomacy and the promotion of inclusive growth.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency and Its Strategic Importance: South Africa assumed the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, and will hold it until November 2025. This rotating presidency carries significant weight as it allows the host nation to steer the discussions, set priorities, and guide the work of the group. With South Africa at the helm, the focus of the upcoming G20 meetings is expected to highlight issues that resonate particularly with the Global South, such as sustainable development, climate change, and social justice.
South Africa’s presidency also provides a unique opportunity for African nations to have a more pronounced presence in global conversations, something that was previously limited in many international fora. As an African country, South Africa’s leadership reflects a broader effort to integrate the voices of emerging economies into decision-making processes that impact global economic and environmental policies.
Jaishankar’s participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting under South Africa’s leadership will likely foster deeper bilateral ties between India and African nations, with a focus on areas like trade, investment, technology, and energy sustainability.
Bilateral Meetings and Diplomatic Engagements: In addition to attending the official sessions of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, EAM Jaishankar will engage in bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from other participating countries. These discussions will provide a platform for India to strengthen its diplomatic relationships with key global partners and explore avenues for further cooperation on a wide range of issues.
These high-level discussions are expected to cover areas such as trade and investment, counterterrorism efforts, climate action, and technology transfer. With India increasingly recognized as a global economic powerhouse, its role in shaping the policies discussed at these bilateral meetings will be central to the long-term success of global cooperation.
US Secretary of State’s Absence from the Summit: One notable development ahead of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting is the absence of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will not be attending the summit. The decision was made in response to ongoing concerns over South Africa’s domestic policies, particularly the issue of expropriation of private property and the country’s stance on matters such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The United States has also voiced criticism of South Africa’s use of the G20 platform to further its agenda on climate change.
While the absence of a key global player like the U.S. may raise questions, the decision also underscores the complexity of global diplomacy, where geopolitical tensions can influence the participation of influential nations. Despite this, the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting is expected to proceed with the presence of representatives from 19 of the world’s largest economies, making it a critical gathering for shaping the direction of global governance.
India’s Role in Promoting Multilateral Diplomacy: India’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy is not new, but the country’s role as a key player in global forums continues to grow. With its focus on advancing the needs of the Global South, India’s diplomatic approach reflects its broader vision of building inclusive and sustainable partnerships with nations around the world. Jaishankar’s participation in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting comes at a time when India is increasingly seen as a force for stability, development, and peacebuilding in the international community.
Jaishankar’s diplomatic leadership will also play a crucial role in advocating for strengthened multilateral institutions that can address the complex challenges faced by the world today. With his extensive experience in foreign policy, Jaishankar is poised to navigate the intricacies of global diplomacy, ensuring that India’s position in the G20 remains prominent and aligned with its strategic goals.
As India prepares to play a central role in the upcoming G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, it is clear that the country’s influence on the global stage is expanding. With strong diplomatic leadership under the guidance of EAM Jaishankar, India is set to not only advance its own interests but also to champion the concerns of the Global South. The summit provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce India’s commitment to multilateralism and to continue building strong relationships with both established and emerging global powers. As South Africa leads the G20 in 2025, India’s active participation is a testament to its growing stature in world diplomacy. Moving forward, India’s approach to inclusive development, global economic stability, and climate action will continue to shape the discourse at the highest levels of international governance.
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