African Union is now permanent G20 member
As the G20 Leaders' Summit began in New Delhi on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced making the African Union (AU) a permanent member of the bloc. He also invited the AU chief, Azali Assoumani, to take his seat at the event. The G20 countries recently agreed to admit the AU as a permanent member of the bloc following the union's request.
PM Modi wrote to G20 nations about AU's inclusion
The inclusion of the AU, a bloc of 55 African states founded in 2002, has been included in the draft leaders' declaration currently being discussed by the G20 nations, per reports. In June, PM Modi wrote to his counterparts in the G20, requesting that the AU be granted full membership in the grouping at its ongoing G20 Summit following the AU's request.
AU's G20 inclusion in line with 'Sabka saath' ethos: Modi
PM Modi stated that AU's inclusion in the G20 was in keeping with the ethos of sabka saath (with everyone). He then slammed the gavel thrice after declaring "with your agreement" to commemorate the AU's admission into the grouping. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar escorted current AU chief Assoumani to his place at the table, where PM Modi hugged him.
Watch: Announcement by PM Modi at G20 Summit
PM Modi extends support to Morocco following earthquake
In his inaugural address, PM Modi also expressed condolences for the lives lost in the Morocco earthquake. "Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest," he said. He also extended India's support to Morocco in difficult times.
