Today is a historic day in the history of G20, and also for the India's G20 Presidency as African Union became the Permanent Member of the G20.

Prime Minister Modi in his opening remarks of the G20 Summit and invited the African Union represented by Chairperson Azali Assoumani, to take a seat at the table of G20 leaders as a permanent member.

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The African Union, a continental body of 55 member states, now has the same status as the European Union - the only regional bloc with a full membership. Its previous designation was "invited international organisation".

The African Union (AU) has been pushing for full membership for seven years, and the inclusion of this bloc, comprising over 50 countries, signifies a significant recognition of Africa's increasing significance on the global stage.

In his opening address, PM Modi said that India's G20 presidency has become symbol of inclusion both inside and outside the country.

The idea of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayas' can be guide to the world.

It is time for all of us to walk together for global good, the PM said.

The move was proposed by Modi in June.

Other issues being decided on at the summit include more loans to developing nations by multilateral institutions, reform of international debt architecture, regulations on cryptocurrency and the impact of geopolitics on food and energy security.

The 38-page draft which was circulated among members left the "geopolitical situation" paragraph blank reflecting deep dividsion over the war in Ukraine -but 75 other paragraphs indicated broad agreement on issues such as cryptocurrencies and reforms in multilateral development banks.

The G20 previously comprised 19 countries and the European Union, with the members representing around 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of global trade and about two-thirds of the world population.