The African Union (AU) became a full member of the G20 during the September 2023 summit hosted by India. This move, accepted by G20 members, underscores Africa's growing importance and India's efforts to amplify the Global South's voice. Africa's resilience, rich natural resources, and demographic growth are attracting global attention. India's G20 presidency, themed "One Earth, One Family, One Future," emphasized inclusivity, particularly towards Africa. Major powers, including the US, China, and Japan, are enhancing their presence in Africa.

India’s defence cooperation with African countries is on the rise. This cooperation is to some extent driven by the common security challenges faced by these countries. It is also guided by three principles: keeping African priorities first, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All) and ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the World is One Family. Training of African defence officers, involvement in United Nations Peacekeeping on the continent and maritime cooperation are the three pillars of defence engagement with African countries.

Consultant, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Ruchita Beri co- authored a publication ‘The Future of BRICS: Between Objectives and Challenges’, published by the Stimson Centre, USA.

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Consultant Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Ruchita Beri’s opinion piece ‘What does India’s invitation to the African Union during the G20 Presidency imply?’ has been published in ‘Awaaz’, The Voice, on 09 September 2023.

It is hoped that India will be able to secure a consensus for the entry of AU as a full member of G20. This step would give due recognition to a resurgent Africa and enhance the voice of the developing countries on the global stage.

Consultant Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Ruchita Beri’s article ‘India's G20 presidency: A priority to engage Africa’ has been published in India vs Disinformation, on 07 September 2023.

To amplify the voice of the Global South, India has pitched for making African Union a permanent member of the G20 and if a proposal to this regard is accepted during the group’s summit in New Delhi, this will lead to making it become more inclusive and representative, says Ms Beri.

Consultant, Manohar Parrikar IDSA, Ms Ruchita Beri’s article ‘15th BRICS Summit: Expansion and cooperation mechanism receive a boost’ has been published in India vs Disinformation, on 25 August 2023.

With the admission of six countries to the BRICS at the Johannesburg summit, weight of the group at the international level has increased, but along with this what has essentially got a push has been its cooperation mechanism--all this, among member countries, says Ms Beri.

The coup in Niger has deep regional and international implications and may lead to increase in major power contestations in the region.

The African Union (AU) marks its 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of searching for African solutions for African problems. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and continuous conflicts in some parts of the region have made the going tough. It is clear that as the African Union prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2022, it should redouble efforts to address the peace and security challenges on the continent.