Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined world leaders at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, underscoring India’s continued commitment to shaping global progress and strengthening international partnerships.
In a post shared on X, the Prime Minister said, “With fellow G20 leaders at the Johannesburg Summit. Together, we reaffirm our shared commitment to global progress and prosperity,” reflecting India’s active stance in global governance.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the gathering as a moment of collective optimism, noting that PM Modi participated in the first session of the summit themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” During his address, the Prime Minister presented four proposals aimed at strengthening multilateral cooperation. This summit marked his 12th participation in G20 deliberations.
Jaiswal also highlighted India’s appreciation of South Africa’s presidency, especially its work on skilled migration, food security, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, tourism and women empowerment. He said India reiterated the importance of amplifying the Global South’s voice in global decision-making.
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi engaged in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with key world leaders.
After discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he said the renewed energy in India-UK ties will continue to push cooperation across multiple sectors. His meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim focused on diversifying strategic and economic cooperation.
PM Modi described his discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron as “engaging,” adding that the India-France partnership continues to serve global interests. He also met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, noting increased momentum in bilateral economic and investment ties.
Talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva centred on expanding economic and cultural cooperation. PM Modi also held a “productive” conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
He interacted with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Angola’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reaffirming India’s growing collaborations in trade, technology, culture and strategic affairs.
Meetings with WTO chief Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus further highlighted India’s global outreach in development, health, skilling and governance.
PM Modi thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for hosting the summit and commended South Africa’s leadership. Addressing the open session, he called for a comprehensive review of global development priorities and proposed a G20 mechanism to counter the drug-terror nexus, alongside the creation of a global health emergency response team.
