PM Modi wants to include African countries in G20, what is the meaning of writing letters to the leaders of the group?

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has written a letter to the leaders of G20. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to leaders of G20 countries proposing that the African Union be granted full, permanent membership of the diplomatic grouping at an upcoming summit in India, an official source said. The source said Modi’s proposal to grant full membership to the African Union in the G20 reflects India’s commitment to strengthen Africa’s representation and partnership in shaping global affairs.

The G20 or Group of 20 is an intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies. Members represent approximately 85 percent of global GDP, more than 75 percent of global trade, and nearly two-thirds of the world population. The group includes 19 countries and the European Union. This year the G20 also invited nine non-member guest countries, including Bangladesh, Singapore, Spain and Nigeria, in addition to international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, the World Bank and the IMF.

Regarding the African Union’s proposal, the source said that it would be a right step towards a fairer, fairer, more inclusive and representative global architecture and governance. The Prime Minister is a firm believer in having a greater voice for the countries of the Global South in international fora, especially African countries. The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of 55 member states. India began its year-long chairmanship of the G20 in December last year and will host the summit later this year.