New Delhi: The G20 group of countries is likely to soon become the G21, with the induction of the African Union as a member. Fifty-five countries from Africa are members of the Union.

India, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the G20, had proposed including the African Union as a full member. “No plan for the future of the planet can be successful without the representation and recognition of all voices,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said on the subject.

“Africa is a top priority for us even within the G20. One of the first things we did during our G20 Presidency was to hold the ‘Voice of the Global South’ summit, which had enthusiastic participation from Africa,” Modi continued. “There is a need to come out of a purely utilitarian worldview and embrace a Sarva Jana Hitaaya, Sarva Jana Sukhaaya (for the welfare of all, for the happiness of all) model.”

Within the African Union, however, there is no consensus on whether joining the G20 would be beneficial, The New Indian Express reported. “Africa is a large continent and the challenges, economy and communities are very diverse. In that context, we feel that this inclusion in the G20 would not translate into anything for us in the literal sense. The Voice of the Global South must be heard but the inclusion in G20 would not help in addressing the concerns. We are grateful for India to consider including us though,” the newspaper quoted an African country representative as saying.

“AU is not a politically cohesive unit. There are issues that countries are facing on their own and with each other. Besides, there are eight regional economic committees which have developed individually with differing structures,” the newspaper quoted another source as saying.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.