US boycotts G20 talks, embassy official to join handover; PM Modi to attend: What it means for India’s agenda

Ramaphosa, in a video posted on X, said the US had signalled a “change of mind” about its boycott at the “11th hour,” emphasising that “Boycott politics does not work. It is better to be inside the tent that is G20 tent, rather than outside the tent.”

Leavitt further clarified that the US envoy’s presence was only to acknowledge that the United States will assume the G20 presidency next. “The United States is not participating in official talks at the G20 in South Africa. I saw the South African President running his mouth a little bit against the United States and @POTUS… and that language is not appreciated by @POTUS and his team," she said.

Why Trump will not attend the G20 summit 

The White House has said the boycott decision is linked to concerns over the alleged mistreatment of South Africa’s white minority, accusing Pretoria of permitting the “genocide of White Afrikaners,” a claim that South African authorities have strongly rejected.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump announced that no US official would attend the two-day gathering of leaders from major economies in Johannesburg. No previous US administration has cited such grounds for skipping a multilateral meeting, and analysts say the move reflects Trump’s domestic political messaging and his long-standing skepticism toward global cooperation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier expressed regret that the boycott would leave him handing over the G20 presidency to an “empty chair” at the close of the summit.

 What G20 summit mean for India?

At the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will outline India’s views on the G20 agenda and is scheduled to speak in all three sessions, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

The sessions are titled, “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies, the role of trade, financing for development and the debt burden,” “A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Just Energy Transitions, Food Systems,” and “A Fair and a Just Future for All: Critical Minerals; Decent Work; Artificial Intelligence.”

Also read: PM Modi to attend G20 Summit in South Africa: Five things to expect and India's priorities | Explained

According to the MEA, PM Modi will present India’s perspectives during each of these discussions.

A strong emphasis on countering terrorism is also anticipated. India has consistently pushed G20 members to act collectively against countries that support or finance extremist networks. Modi is likely to urge the grouping to adopt a firm position on terrorism in the joint declaration.

This year’s summit continues the trend of Global South leadership, marking the fourth consecutive G20 hosted by a developing country. South Africa has placed issues such as debt relief, poverty reduction, and access to technology at the forefront of its agenda.

India is expected to push for stronger South–South cooperation, including through the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) forum. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi will also meet various world leaders to discuss matters related to trade, energy,y and security.