EAM Jaishankar to visit South Africa for G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

In News – EAM Jaishankar to Visit South Africa for G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

What Happened?

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Johannesburg, South Africa (20–21 Feb 2025).
• Purpose: To attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM).
• Host: Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations & Cooperation, South Africa.
• South Africa is the current chair of the G20.
• EAM will also hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines.

Background

• G20 = premier forum for global economic cooperation (19 countries + EU + AU).
• India held the G20 Presidency in 2023 → theme: “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
• South Africa took over G20 presidency in 2025.
• India is pushing the Global South agenda: voice of developing countries in global governance.

Why This Visit Matters?

1. Strengthening India’s Engagement
   • Reinforces India’s role as a key G20 member.
   • Opportunity to influence agenda on global challenges.
2. Voice of Global South
   • EAM participation aims to “bolster” representation of developing nations.
   • India’s push for food, fuel, fertilizer security continues.
3. Strategic Bilateral Angle
   • India–South Africa ties: both members of BRICS, IBSA, and G20 Troika.
   • Shared interest in UN reforms & multilateralism.
     
     Updated - February 19, 2025 11:31 am IST | The Hindu