As Johannesburg prepares to host the first G20 summit ever held on African soil, global attention is focused on how leaders will navigate growing geopolitical tensions and differing national priorities.

Washington announced it would not attend, citing concerns about South Africa’s domestic policies, which the U.S. administration claims disadvantage white citizens.

The host country has rejected these allegations, framing the summit instead as a moment for Africa to demonstrate leadership and encourage cooperation among diverse economies.

South Africa has designed an agenda centred on development-driven priorities such as climate resilience, support for low-income nations, sustainable energy transitions and better financial terms for countries carrying heavy debt burdens.

Officials say these themes reflect the continent’s needs, particularly as extreme weather events intensify and the demand for critical minerals grows worldwide.

The symbolism of Trump’s empty chair remains unavoidable, particularly because South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to hand over G20 leadership to the next host — the United States.

Ramaphosa has acknowledged the awkwardness of the moment, saying he will complete the ceremonial handover regardless of Trump’s absence and deliver remarks aimed at continuing diplomatic engagement.

The absence of several other leaders is reshaping the summit as well. Argentina’s President Javier Milei will not attend due to ideological differences with the agenda, while Russia’s Vladimir Putin will remain absent because of the International Criminal Court warrant issued against him.

China will send Premier Li Qiang as its representative, signaling participation without elevating the diplomatic profile as high as a presidential visit.

European countries, along with China and other major economies, are expected to use the opportunity to increase their influence and shape discussions that traditionally depend heavily on U.S. involvement.

Analysts suggest that the U.S. withdrawal could create a temporary leadership gap, allowing other powers to take a more prominent role in shaping global cooperation strategies.

Some experts argue that without Washington’s often oppositional stance in recent years, negotiators may find it easier to seek common ground on issues such as debt sustainability and climate finance.

Others note that the absence of a potentially confrontational American delegation might reduce tensions and allow the hosts to keep the focus on African priorities. However, concerns remain that any outcomes will carry less weight if the United States is not engaged in the process.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to highlight cooperation with African nations on energy transition and economic partnerships.

Several governments are exploring the possibility of trade agreements and mineral-related investments on the sidelines of the summit.

Africa’s immense mineral wealth and its young, rapidly growing population position the continent as a key player in the future global economy.

The presence of an African Union delegation reinforces the hosts’ effort to secure fairer terms in mineral extraction, infrastructure development, and energy transition initiatives.

Despite the optimism surrounding Africa’s central role, some analysts believe the summit will still face challenges linked to long-standing divisions among G20 members.

In recent years, disagreements over climate responsibility, financial reforms and geopolitical rivalries have limited the group’s ability to produce strong, unified statements.

The U.S. had previously indicated it would oppose any language referencing climate change in the final communiqué, making progress difficult even before its decision not to attend. Observers note that global forums have struggled to maintain momentum as major powers adopt more unilateral policies.

For South Africa, the summit remains an opportunity to highlight the importance of multilateral cooperation, even as the international environment becomes increasingly fragmented.

Whether the meeting results in significant agreements or only cautious statements, it marks a historic moment for Africa as it hosts one of the world’s most influential political and economic gatherings.

In a ceremonious welcome, PM Modi was greeted with a 21-gun salute upon arrival. As his plane entered Saudi airspace, it was escorted by F15 fighter jets in a special gesture of respect and camaraderie. At the airport, the Prime Minister interacted warmly with Saudi officials and dignitaries.

A heartwarming cultural moment took place when Saudi singer Hashim Abbas passionately performed the Indian patriotic song ‘Ae Watan’ in PM Modi’s honor. “When I started singing, my friends told me that one day I would sing in front of PM Modi. I didn’t believe them… I love India. It is a great country led by the great leader, PM Narendra Modi,” Abbas told PTI.

Adding to the celebratory spirit, hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia gathered to welcome the Prime Minister. They greeted him with chants of “Modi, Modi” and showcased traditional cultural performances. Sharing photos from the event on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and said the visit would “strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.”

The Prime Minister is set to co-chair the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors including defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties.

Before departing from India, PM Modi emphasized the importance of India’s evolving relationship with Saudi Arabia. “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” he said. “We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.”

In an interview with Arab News ahead of the visit, PM Modi described Saudi Arabia as “one of India’s most valued partners — a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally.”

This high-profile visit follows King Salman’s attendance at the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September, during which he co-chaired the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. Officials from both countries hope this visit will further solidify bilateral ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.

These achievements during the G20 summit not only reinforce India’s diplomatic reputation but also contribute to its image as a key global player

India’s stewardship of the G20 summit has proven highly successful, with the country achieving significant gains across various key areas. Shashank Mattoo, a Foreign Affairs expert at LiveMint, highlighted these accomplishments in a recent thread, shedding light on India’s diplomatic achievements during its G20 Presidency.

Consensus on Ukraine: A Defining Moment

One of the pivotal issues that shaped India’s G20 Presidency was the division among member nations regarding the Ukraine war. While Russia and China sought to avoid discussions on Ukraine, Western nations aimed to condemn Russia.

The ability to achieve consensus on this contentious topic was crucial for India’s reputation as the summit host. Surprisingly, Delhi managed to broker a compromise, resulting in a joint declaration that toned down criticism of Russia.

This achievement significantly bolstered India’s diplomatic reputation and demonstrated its ability to forge consensus on a highly divisive issue.

African Union’s Membership: Amplifying the Voice of the Global South

Another notable accomplishment for India was securing the African Union’s (AU) membership in the G20.

With this move, India solidified its image as a representative of the Global South and a champion of developing country concerns.

The AU’s inclusion in the G20 serves as a concrete example of India’s efforts to amplify the voices of emerging economies and developing nations within global forums.

Economic Reforms and Debt Relief

India successfully advocated for key economic reforms and debt relief to support developing countries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Efforts to address high debt levels and provide assistance to struggling nations had been slow, but India’s leadership accelerated the process.

The G20 consensus to provide relief to countries like Ghana, Zambia, and Ethiopia highlights India’s commitment to the development and well-being of fellow developing nations.

Additionally, the agreement to consider major recommendations for the reform of international institutions, such as the World Bank and IMF, paves the way for greater financial support for climate change initiatives and assistance to impoverished nations in the coming decade.

Technological Advancements

India made significant strides in the realm of technology during the G20 summit.

First, the countries agreed to consider regulatory measures for cryptocurrencies, recognizing the potential threats they pose to the stability of the financial system.

Second, India successfully advocated for the adoption of Digital Public Infrastructure, which encompasses initiatives like Aadhar and UPI, to enhance financial inclusion.

This achievement positions India as a provider of technological solutions and presents opportunities for exporting its homegrown tech solutions to developing nations, further bolstering its international reputation.

Climate Change Initiatives

India’s commitment to combating climate change was prominently showcased during the G20 summit.

The country led the launch of the Global Biofuel Alliance, aiming to increase ethanol blending in petrol up to 20% globally.

This initiative aligns with India’s broader clean energy push and enhances its international standing as a champion of sustainable solutions.

India’s stewardship of the G20 summit has resulted in numerous gains across various domains. The ability to forge consensus on critical issues, secure the AU’s membership, advocate for economic reforms and debt relief, drive technological advancements, and lead climate change initiatives demonstrates India’s growing influence and commitment to addressing global challenges.

These achievements during the G20 summit not only reinforce India’s diplomatic reputation but also contribute to its image as a key global player working towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Ahmed Al-Khateeb informed the audience that the Kingdom backed India’s “Goa Tourism Plan” to expand the tourism sector responsibly. According to him, the proposal was in line with the Kingdom’s tourist policy, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

He said that Saudi Arabia was a tourism pioneer, with 7.8 million visitors in the first three months of 2023, an increase of 64 percent over the corresponding period in 2019.

The event’s theme was “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

The ministerial meeting was concurrent with the 4th G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, when progress was discussed. They also went over the top five goals for advancing global tourist collaboration.

Al-Khateeb extended an invitation to his G20 counterparts to join in Saudi Arabia’s celebration of World Tourism Day on September 28.

The minister also met with the leaders of the delegations in attendance several times to explore future collaboration and share experiences.

“In our view, G20 participation is for members and organizations we have invited. That list we declared as soon as we assumed the G20 presidency” in December, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told reporters.

Ukraine is not a G20 member, while Russia with whom it is fighting a war is part of the grouping. India has avoided condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine and has sought to end it through diplomacy and dialogue.

“It is not something that we have reviewed and it is not something very honestly which we have discussed with anybody,” Jaishankar said.

The Ukraine war and the disruption in global food and fuel supplies are expected to be high on the agenda of the G20 summit in New Delhi.

Zelenskyy was invited to participate in last year’s G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit of the Group of Seven industrialized nations in Japan in May. It was their first meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year.

India hopes to deepen trade with Russia, its Cold War ally, from whom it has continued to buy record amounts of crude. It also depends on Russia for about 60% of its defense equipment.

In April, Ukraine asked India to supply medicine and medical equipment and help it rebuild war-damaged infrastructure.

The request was conveyed by Emine Dzhaparova, the deputy minister of foreign affairs and Ukraine’s most senior official to visit India since Russia’s invasion began last year. She highlighted Ukraine’s desire to build a stronger and closer relationship with India.

Responding to Ukraine’s request, India’s External Affairs Ministry said that in addition to providing medicine and medical equipment, India would also supply school buses to Ukraine.

India evacuated nearly 20,000 Indians studying in Ukraine, mostly in medical colleges, after the outbreak of the war.

India’s foreign ministry said the Ukrainian minister was arriving in India on Sunday on a four-day trip during which the two sides would discuss their relations, the situation in Ukraine and global issues.

India, which holds the presidency of the G20 bloc this year, has declined to blame its old ally Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and has sought a diplomatic solution while boosting its purchases of Russian oil.

“Ukraine has requested India for more humanitarian aid, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and energy equipment, to repair power infrastructure damaged during the war,” the Hindu newspaper said of the upcoming talks, citing diplomatic sources.

Dzhaparova, making the first visit to India by a Ukrainian government minister since Russia’s invasion, will call on India to send a “strong message for peace” to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is due to visit India in July for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and is due back in September for a G20 summit, the newspaper said.

While in India, Dzhaparova will expand on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s 10-point peace formula, and call on India to add its “crucial global voice” to building a consensus in its favour, the paper said.

Ukraine is keen to get an invitation to take part in G20 meetings and for Zelenskiy to be invited to speak to G20 leaders during their summit, the newspaper said.

Dzhaparova was expected to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Kyiv, the newspaper added.

The Indian Council of World Affairs, a New Delhi-based think tank, said on Twitter it would host a talk with Dzhaparova on Tuesday.

Al-Zehaifi said, “India as a member of the G20, they have a role just like any other member of the G20, every guest that’s going to be attending the G20. It goes to show that conflict is, unfortunately, continuing to happen, but how they are going to tackle that as a unit as members of G20 and members of the world goes to show that Terrorism is an unfortunate thing that every nation is facing besides hunger, famine and conflicts”.

He further said, “As we see the conflicts in certain areas around the world from time to time, but how the nations come together and how they understand and deal with each other with respect and continuation in growth in all sectors – health, education, trade, business and tourism”.

Al-Zehaifi expressed his excitement about India hosting more than 200 G20 meetings across the nation because he thought it would be a good opportunity for the nation to highlight its rich and diverse culture.

“We had discussions during this visit, and it’s my first visit, that there are a lot of initiatives for every region of India, every state, every part of it for the G20 to come and visit. So, it goes to show that they are not including only specific cities and not including any specific regions, but including any and all. It goes to show that they want to develop the nation as a whole just like Saudi Arabia”, the Commentator said.

Al-Zehaifi, who is fascinated by India’s economic development, noted that both Saudi Arabia and India have aspirational growth goals for the future.

“You guys want to believe 2047-48, you have a very ambitious plan, because, of course, 1.6 billion is a huge population and it takes time to build on that. Saudi Arabia is doing the same thing with vision 2030”, he said.

With a strong commitment to democracy and multilateralism, many regard India’s G20 Presidency as a turning point in its history because of its efforts to play a significant part in achieving peace and prosperity on a global scale through practical solutions.

Al-Zehaifi, who toured numerous historical sites in New Delhi, claimed that Saudi Arabia and India share a close cultural affinity. He claimed that when Saudi Arabia and India come together for the first time, their cultural ties will go far further than most people realize in terms of cuisine, customs, and even languages.

“We visited many historical places and we saw Arabic calligraphy. Arabs need to realise that they have been here for many years and vice versa. The Silk Road connected India to the Middle East and to Europe. From the historical times there are bonds and mutual understanding with one another”, he said.

Al-Zehaifi thinks there are significant cultural and commercial linkages between Saudi Arabia and India.

“Many people do not realise that a lot of things in the Middle-East are from India in terms of spices, in terms of culture and even here als the languages, etc. Once you understand a region or a country, to better understand them and how to deal with them in all sectors, you have to understand their culture and their languages and what’s a better way to do that than visiting India”, he expounded.

“You can read about it, you can talk to people in a cafe, you can see videos but it doesn’t do any justice. For me, I did all of that, I did my research, I asked many people as to where to go, what to see and what to eat and they said all of that is worthless if you don’t visit. So, when I came to visit it, it’s much more than I expected”, Al-Zehaifi said.