Johannesburg/IBNS:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said that global south is not just a diplomatic term but shared our history together and opposed colonialism and apartheid.

Addressing the special event, BRICS - Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue here, PM Modi said: "To mainstream the concerns of the Global South, we have invited three African countries and several developing countries as guest countries in G20."

"Over the past two days, in all BRICS discussions, we have emphasized the priorities and concerns of the countries of the Global South," he said.

"India has also proposed to give permanent membership of G-20 to the African Union," he said.

The Prime Minister also underlined India’s close partnership with Africa and reaffirmed India's commitment to support Africa in its development journey under Agenda 2063.

PM Modi said, "India has accorded high priority to its relations with Africa and it has opened 16 new embassies in the continent...adding that India is the 4th largest trade partner of Africa and the 5th largest investor in this region."

Calling for cooperation in strengthening the multipolar world, PM Modi said, "We have common interests in counter-terrorism, environmental protection, climate action, cyber security, food and health security, energy security, and building resilient supply chains. There are immense possibilities of cooperation."

He extended invitations to countries to be part of international initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, One Sun One World One Grid, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, One Earth One Health, Big Cat Alliance, and Global Centre for Traditional Medicine.

Over the expansion of BRICS, PM Modi said, "We have also decided to expand the BRICS Forum. We welcome all partner countries."

He also thanked President Ramaphosa for giving him the opportunity to share ideas with the countries of Africa, Asia, Latin  America at the BRICS Outreach Summit.

Speaking about the special relations India shares with African nations, the Prime Minister said that India has always given priority to capacity building and infrastructure development of African countries.

"Today India is Africa's fourth largest trade partner and fifth largest investor country. Be it power projects in Sudan, Burundi, and Rwanda, or sugar plants in Ethiopia and Malawi, the technology parks in Mozambique, Ivory Coast and Eswatini, or the campuses set up by Indian universities in Tanzania and Uganda."

PM Modi said that India has given high priority to relations with Africa and we have opened 16 new embassies in Africa... adding that India is a trusted and close partner in the journey to make Africa a future global powerhouse under Agenda 2063."

The Prime Minister said, "It was in the land of Africa that Mahatma Gandhi developed powerful concepts like non-violence and peaceful resistance, tested and used them in India's freedom struggle."

"His thinking and ideas inspired great leaders like Nelson Mandela and with this strong foundation of history, we are reshaping our modern relations," he added.

PM Modi also met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a post said: "A productive meeting between PM Narendra Modi and PM Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

PM congratulated PM Abiy Ahmed Ali on Ethiopia's membership of BRICS. Abiy Ahmed Ali appreciated India's support for Ethiopia to join the BRICS family."

PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with President of Senegal Macky Sall on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.