New Delhi, Nov 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday departed for Johannesburg, South Africa, to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit, terming it a “particularly special” occasion as it marks the first time the summit is being held on African soil. In his departure statement, he highlighted India’s continued commitment to the Global South and its belief in collective solutions to global challenges.

“I am visiting the Republic of South Africa from 21–23 November 2025, at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, to attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit being held in Johannesburg under South Africa’s Presidency. This will be a particularly special Summit given that it would be the first G20 Summit being held in Africa. During India’s Presidency of the G20 in 2023, the African Union had become a member of the G20.

The Summit will be an opportunity to discuss key global issues. The theme of this year’s G20 has been ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, by which South Africa has carried forward the outcomes from the previous Summits held in New Delhi, India and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I will present India’s perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future.’ I look forward to my interactions with leaders of the partner countries, and participation in the 6th IBSA Summit scheduled on the sidelines of the Summit. During the visit, I also look forward to my interaction with the Indian diaspora in South Africa, which is one of the largest outside India.”

The Johannesburg Summit comes at a crucial time for the developing world. It is the fourth consecutive G20 hosted by a developing nation: Indonesia, India, Brazil and now South Africa. Next year, the baton will pass to the United States, making this summit a critical moment for securing deliverables for the Global South, particularly Africa.

With the U.S. President not attending the meeting, a further sign of Washington’s limited engagement, expectations from India and other countries are high. PM Modi’s presence contrasts sharply with the U.S. absence, reinforcing India’s image as a reliable voice for the developing world. International reports note that the United States will be represented only by the deputy chief of mission from its embassy in South Africa.

Analysts observe that India’s presidency in 2023 still shapes the current agenda. South Africa has drawn heavily from New Delhi’s outcomes, adopting the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” an extension of India’s core idea of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

New Delhi is increasingly positioned not just as a participant, but as a mediator and bridge-builder between developed economies and emerging nations. As the world faces geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, India’s emphasis on cooperation over confrontation continues to resonate. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all member nations to uphold multilateralism and international law as essential pillars to solving global crises. His remarks have gained significance amid the absence of senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who have opted not to attend key G20 meetings.

As PM Modi arrives in Johannesburg, India is seen as carrying forward the aspirations of the Global South. Its voice, shaped by “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” remains central to the G20’s search for common purpose.

Panaji, Nov 20: Showcasing diverse traditions, the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened with a Kashmir tableau soon after the hosts, Goa, paraded through the streets here in Panaji on the banks of the Mandovi River on Thursday.

The Kashmir tableau showcased the cultural traditions of Kashmir, with men wearing the traditional Kashmiri cap and Kameez Shalwar, and women dressed in Pherans (long cloaks) featuring Tilla embroidery work, playing the Roaf, and singing traditional Kashmiri songs.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Loganathan Murugan, said that IFFI continues to evolve with every edition, and this year’s cultural carnival showcases the diverse traditions of states.

He said that 124 new film creators from all over the country and abroad had got an opportunity to showcase their talent to the world through their content production and storytelling.

A total of 270 films from 81 countries will be screened during IFFI 2025, with Japan being the country of focus this year.

IFFI 2025 celebrates the theme ‘Convergence of Creativity and Technology’, and this year, for the first time, IFFI includes an AI Hackathon, encouraging filmmakers to use AI for content development and filmmaking.

Inaugurating the celebrations, the Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, said, “IFFI’s stature is growing globally with the festival becoming a meaningful platform for creative exchange, new collaborations, and the celebration of cinematic excellence.”

Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, in his address, said that IFFI has made Goa the creative capital of India.

On the occasion, legendary Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna was honoured for his 50 glorious years in Cinema.

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Sanjay Jaju, highlighted the unique features of this year’s edition, including numerous international and global premieres.

This year’s IFFI also has another new addition – the largest-ever WAVES Film Bazaar, positioning IFFI at the forefront of creativity, technology, and industry innovation.

During the inauguration of the WAVES Film Bazaar, Director IFFI and a famous Bollywood filmmaker known for his films ‘Mr India’ and ‘Bandit Queen’ said that he was expecting 1,00,000 people to visit Goa during IFFI 2025.

“Last year, we had 50,000 visitors during the festival,” he said.

Veteran Bollywood actor, on the occasion, celebrated the selection of his three films – Tanvi the Great, The Bengal Files, and the Canadian film Calorie in the festival.

During the formal inaugural ceremony’s parade, marching alongside states and union territories were grand cinematic tableaus from India’s leading production houses like the Zee Studios and Ultra Media that paid centenary homage to Guru Dutt, the Bollywood legend known for his skills as an actor, director, choreographer, writer, and producer.

Over a hundred artists from 16 states and union territories participated in the inaugural parade, besides hundreds of artists from host Goa.

Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik and an assembly of filmmakers, creators, global industry leaders and cinephiles also attended the event.

Started in 1952, IFFI continues to be South Asia’s oldest and largest celebration of cinema.

Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), and the State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse over the years.

The festival also witnesses restored classics, while filmmakers also come up with their bold experiments.

Attending the festival is particularly rewarding for those interested in pursuing filmmaking as a career.

It provides an opportunity for first-timers to share space with legendary maestros.

IFFI provides international competitions, cultural showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, providing an opportunity for ideas, deals, and collaborations to take flight.

Being staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop, IFFI 2025 will conclude on November 28.

IFFI 2025 also coincides with 50 years of the National Film Development Corporation of India.