What Happened When PM Modi Attended the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi was warmly welcomed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- The summit aims to address pressing global issues.
- PM Modi highlighted the importance of cooperation and development.
- Bilateral talks with Australia focused on key sectors.
- This is the first G20 Summit held in Africa.
Johannesburg, Nov 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm reception from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa upon his arrival at the G20 Leaders' Summit held at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday.
Among the notable figures present at the summit from November 22-23, PM Modi expressed enthusiasm about engaging in meaningful dialogues with global leaders regarding pressing international matters.
Upon arriving in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon, PM Modi indicated his eagerness for productive discussions on vital global challenges.
"Our emphasis will be on bolstering collaboration, promoting development priorities, and ensuring a brighter future for everyone," PM Modi shared on X after his arrival.
During the G20 Leaders’ Summit, PM Modi is anticipated to conduct multiple bilateral meetings with various world leaders in attendance.
On Friday, he engaged in a bilateral conversation with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, where they evaluated the ongoing growth of the India-Australia partnership and pinpointed critical areas for enhanced cooperation.
In a post on X, PM Modi characterized the discussions as "very fruitful," highlighting that this year marks the fifth anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two nations.
"Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, our strategic partnership reaches its 5-year milestone, during which transformative outcomes have deepened our collaboration. In our talks today, we highlighted three vital sectors: defence and security, nuclear energy, and trade, where there is significant potential for growth. Additional sectors discussed included education, cultural exchanges, and more," PM Modi noted.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders expressed satisfaction regarding the "deepening and diversification of cooperation" between India and Australia, especially following the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
The Australian Prime Minister also conveyed his solidarity with India following the recent terrorist attack within the country, with both leaders reaffirming their dedication to fortifying the global battle against terrorism.
The meeting encompassed a wide array of collaboration, including political and strategic engagement, defence and security, energy, trade and investment, critical minerals, technology, mobility, education, and people-to-people links.
They also shared insights on regional and global developments of mutual interest.
This marks the fourth consecutive G20 Summit being hosted in the Global South and the first on African soil. It is also PM Modi's fourth official visit to South Africa, following his bilateral visit in 2016 and subsequent participation in the two BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.
“This Summit holds special significance as it is the first G20 Summit to be conducted in Africa. During India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023, the African Union became a member of the G20," the Prime Minister stated in his departure remarks on Friday.
"The Summit provides a platform to address critical global issues. This year’s G20 theme, ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,’ reflects South Africa's continuation of the outcomes from previous Summits held in New Delhi, India and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I will present India’s viewpoint at the Summit in alignment with our vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and 'One Earth, One Family, and One Future,’" PM Modi added.