New Delhi/IBNS: With all the existing members' approval, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed the 55-nation African Union to the G20, the members of which are here to attend this year's summit.

Modi, the G20 President for the year, announced the inclusion of the African Union during his inaugural address to the members.

Modi said, "Bharat's Presidency in G20 both inside and outside the country has become a symbol of inclusiveness. It has become the people's G20 in Bharat where crores of Bharatiyas are involved with the summit. There have been over 200 meetings in more than 60 cities.

"With the thought of inclusiveness, Bharat had proposed granting permanent membership to the African Union. I believe all of us (members of G20) are agreeing on it."

PM Modi welcoming African Union President to G20 | Photo courtesy: Facebook/MEA

After all the existing member nations agreed on it, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the African Union President to take his seat.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was seen going up to the African Union President to lead him to his seat in the room filled with global leaders like US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak among others who are in New Delhi to participate in the two-day summit which began on Saturday.