India’s priorities shine through in G20 South Africa Leaders’ Declaration

NEW DELHI: India has successfully ensured that key outcomes of its 2023 G20 Presidency continue to resonate strongly in the Leaders’ Declaration adopted at the G20 Summit in South Africa, while amplifying the voice and priorities of the Global South.

The declaration unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reflecting India’s consistent stance on the issue.

On the technology front, the transformative potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has been prominently highlighted. The Declaration reiterates New Delhi’s commitments to harness digital and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, while reaffirming the need for safe, secure, and trustworthy AI development, deployment, and use.

Women-led development, one of the landmark outcomes of India’s presidency, has found strong encouragement in the document, with a clear push for greater empowerment of women and girls.

Disaster resilience, a key focus of the South African presidency, builds directly on India’s initiative. Outcomes of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group launched during India’s tenure have been reinforced, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) —an Indian initiative — has received explicit recognition.

In the area of food security, the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition, adopted under India’s presidency, have been reaffirmed.

Spoke at the first session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, which focussed on inclusive and sustainable growth. With Africa hosting the G20 Summit for the first time, NOW is the right moment for us to revisit our development parameters and focus on growth that is… pic.twitter.com/AxHki7WegR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 22, 2025

The role of traditional and complementary medicine in health systems, another highlight of the New Delhi Declaration, has also been acknowledged.

One of the most significant wins for India came on climate finance, where the declaration adopts more ambitious language than last year. It recognises the need to scale up climate finance from billions to trillions of dollars and, crucially, notes that developing countries require an estimated
USD 5.8-5.9 trillion in the pre-2030 period to meet their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). The declaration also endorses sustainable lifestyles by mainstreaming Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), India’s global initiative.

India’s call for reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it more representative is also clearly mentioned in the document.

Language from the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration echoes across multiple sections of the South African declaration, underlining the lasting imprint of India’s 2023 presidency on the G20 agenda and its continued leadership in championing Global South priorities (ANI)