New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to G20 counterparts to propose that the African Union be given full membership at the upcoming Delhi Summit of G20, as requested by them, sources said late on Saturday night.

Besides enhancing Africa’s voice on the international stage the move would also help “shape the future of our shared world”, the source added.

“Prime Minister has led from the front on this matter, which he strongly advocates and supports”.

“This will be a right step towards a just, fair, more inclusive and representative global architecture and governance,” the source added.

“Prime Minister Modi is a strong believer in having a greater Voice of the Global South countries on international platforms, particularly of African countries.”

“As part of India’s G20 Presidency, he has particularly focused on incorporating priorities of the African countries in the G20 agenda,” the source added.

As part of its move to seek a greater voice for the developing world, India hosted a Voice of the Global South summit in January 2023 to bring their perspectives to the G20.

The African Union (AU) comprises 55 member states.

The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit will be held September 9-10.

The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom and United States) and the European Union.

The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.