India at the G20: Priorities, Proposals, and Partnerships in 2025

India continues to be an active G20 member under South Africa’s 2025 Presidency. Indian officials have affirmed support for South Africa’s G20 agenda and raised issues long supported by India. At the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg (Feb 20–21, 2025), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed greetings to President Ramaphosa and confirmed India’s support for South Africa’s G20 priorities.

Sources: indianexpress.com, tribuneindia.com

Key Focus Areas and Contributions

Speaking at the meeting’s session on G20 objectives, Jaishankar emphasized continuity from India’s 2023 Presidency. He urged cooperation over competition, addressing challenges like food, energy, and health security, and promoting women-led development.

He underlined India’s contributions such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and stressed the need for global frameworks on disaster response, debt sustainability, and energy transitions.

India’s climate and energy actions focused on affordable and fair financing for developing nations. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance were highlighted.

Sources: tribuneindia.com, cdri.world

• India’s CDRI was recognized in the G20 Ministerial Declaration for promoting resilient infrastructure.
• An Indian Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) playbook has served as a model for bridging the global digital divide.

Leadership Roles and Policy Proposals

India presented policy ideas and institutional inputs on:

• Global finance and debt – Support for comprehensive frameworks balancing development with fiscal sustainability.
• Energy finance – Emphasis on affordable funding for just energy transitions.
• Infrastructure and supply chains – Advocacy for transparent supply chains and cooperation on critical minerals.
• Digital economy – Promotion of DPI and inclusive technology use.

India also continued leadership through global initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance, both integrated into G20 climate efforts.

Sources: tribuneindia.com, weforum.org

Priority Areas for India

• Climate and Energy: Support for clean energy, sustainable mining, and fair climate finance.
• Digital Economy: DPI development, digital inclusion, and AI for development.
• Global Finance: MDB reforms, debt relief strategies, and financial stability for low-income countries.
• Food and Growth: Nutrition and inclusive economic development.
• Disaster Resilience: Risk preparedness, CDRI work, and G20 frameworks.

Source: tribuneindia.com

Diplomatic Engagements with G20 Members

During the Johannesburg meetings, Jaishankar met with leaders from Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and Ethiopia.

• With Brazil: Talks on G20, BRICS, and bilateral ties.
• With Singapore: Discussions to deepen their strategic partnership.
• With Ethiopia: Strengthening South-South cooperation.
• With South Africa: Working lunch with President Ramaphosa to affirm mutual commitment.

India’s Foreign Ministry stated that this visit would strengthen India's global voice and the Global South's role in the G20.

Sources: indianexpress.com, in.investing.com

International Reactions to India’s Positions

India’s G20 stance was appreciated by several countries. South Africa presented Jaishankar as a key voice for the Global South. Russia and Brazil publicly noted their shared G20 priorities with India. African analysts credited India for helping secure a permanent G20 seat for the African Union.

• India’s DPI initiative recognized as a model for digital inclusion.
• Women’s empowerment and skill development were highlighted as shared goals.

Sources: indianexpress.com, tribuneindia.com, in.investing.com

Outcomes and Agreements

• Disaster Risk Reduction: CDRI Compendium recognized by the G20.
• Finance: Continuation of MDB Reform Roadmap from India’s 2023 Presidency.
• Climate Initiatives: Support for ISA and Global Biofuels Alliance.
• Digital Inclusion: DPI and inclusive AI included in the G20 agenda.
• African Union’s G20 Membership: Acknowledged as a major achievement driven by India.

India’s influence remains evident in G20 themes including sustainability, equality, and multilateral collaboration.

Sources

Sources: Government statements, news reports, and expert analysis of G20 meetings in 2024–2025. These include India’s External Affairs Ministry releases, Press Information Bureau briefings, and reliable news agencies (e.g. Tribune/ANI, Reuters/IANS) detailing India’s contributions and engagements.

• EAM Jaishankar calls on SA President Ramaphosa – The Indian Express
• EAM Jaishankar assures support for South Africa's G20 priorities – The Tribune
• Supportive of South African Presidency – The Tribune
• Engagement with G20 – CDRI
• DPI and AI in South Africa’s G20 Agenda – World Economic Forum
• Jaishankar meets Russia and China counterparts – Investing.com