On 23 November 2025, G20 leaders adopted a declaration focused on climate action and global challenges without U.S. support, causing major diplomatic tension. The U.S. boycotted the summit and accused South Africa, the 2025 G20 president, of “weaponizing” the G20 and breaking the tradition of consensus. South Africa said the declaration “cannot be renegotiated” and was supported by overwhelming consensus.

Argentina withdrew at the last minute, objecting to the text on the Middle East conflict, but South Africa proceeded. The declaration highlights climate change, renewable energy, and debt relief, which the U.S. opposed.

The summit reflected wider global divides amid the Ukraine war, climate talks at COP30, and disputes over geopolitical influence. South Africa also refused to hand over the G20 presidency to a junior U.S. diplomat, calling it a breach of protocol.

The 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa on 22–23 November 2025, becoming the first G20 summit hosted on African soil. The theme was “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, focusing on inclusive development, climate action, and global financial reforms.

Key Points

• Host & Chair: South Africa; President Cyril Ramaphosa.
• Theme Focus: Climate finance, debt relief, clean energy, digital inclusion.
• Global South Troika: India (2023), Brazil (2024), South Africa (2025).
• India’s Key Initiatives:
  • IMEC, Global Biofuel Alliance, Digital Public Infrastructure, MDB reforms.
  • PM Modi stressed “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
• African Union: Participated as permanent G20 member.
• Participants: G20 nations + invited countries (e.g., Denmark, Egypt, Nigeria, Singapore, UAE) + UN, IMF, World Bank, WHO, WTO, etc.

On 17 November 2025, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, approving US President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favour and abstentions from Russia and China.
The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, release of hostages, and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to ensure demilitarization and security in Gaza. It also establishes a Board of Peace (BoP) as a transitional authority and launches major reconstruction and humanitarian efforts.

The initiative aims to stabilize Gaza, rebuild infrastructure, and create conditions leading toward Palestinian self-governance and possible statehood, though critics say the framework is vague.
Implementation will involve ISF deployment, ceasefire monitoring, and broad political consultations involving regional and international actors.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death in absentia by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on 17 November 2025. She was convicted of crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering a violent crackdown on the 2024 student-led protests, in which hundreds were killed and many injured.

Hasina has been living in exile in India since her government was removed. The tribunal described her as the “mastermind” behind the suppression and held her responsible for authorising lethal force.

The verdict comes ahead of the February 2026 elections, from which Hasina’s party, the Awami League, has been barred. Her supporters claim the trial was politically motivated, while the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus argues it fulfills its promise to ensure accountability for the 2024 violence.

The ruling marks the first time a Bangladeshi head of government has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. It is expected to draw international scrutiny and may increase political tension within Bangladesh.

The Dubai Air Show 2025, held on November 17–18 at Al Maktoum International Airport, brought together over 1,500 exhibitors, 200+ aircraft, and industry professionals from 150 countries. India made a strong impact with a delegation led by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, featuring the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and the LCA Tejas fighter aircraft. India inaugurated its dedicated pavilion, held high-level bilateral talks with the UAE, and chaired an international defence industry round table.

With major global companies like Airbus, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin present, the event highlighted future trends in aviation, sustainability, space, and AI-driven defence. India’s presence underscored its growing influence in global aerospace, its commitment to defence innovation, and strengthened India-UAE strategic cooperation.