PM Modi welcomes African Union as G20 permanent member with a big hug

"India put a proposal to give permanent membership of G20 to the African Union. I believe that with we have everyone's agreement on this," Modi said in his opening address to the summit.

"With everyone's approval, I request the African Union head to take his seat as a permanent G20 member," he added, banging a ceremonial gavel.

Diplomats of G20 member states had said the African Union’s inclusion is not expected to lead to a change in the name of the grouping.