Modi Engages World Leaders at G-20 Summit in Johannesburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of significant bilateral meetings with global leaders during the G-20 Summit in Johannesburg on September 9 and 10, 2023. Among the key discussions, Modi met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the summit, where he emphasized the need for a re-evaluation of global development parameters and proposed initiatives to tackle pressing global challenges.

During the opening session of the G-20 Leaders’ Meeting, Modi called for a comprehensive rethink of the parameters governing global development. He proposed establishing a G20 initiative aimed at countering the drug-terror nexus and creating a global healthcare response team. Modi underscored that tackling major global challenges requires robust international cooperation.

In a session titled “A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems,” Modi reiterated India’s commitment to a future that prioritizes human-centric, sustainable, and inclusive development. He stated, “India has been actively working on all these fronts, building a future that is human-centric and inclusive.”

Meetings with Global Leaders

Throughout the summit, Modi engaged with numerous world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. After his meeting with Starmer, Modi remarked about the renewed energy in the India-UK partnership, stating, “This year has brought new energy to the India–UK partnership and we will keep driving it forward across many domains.”

Modi expressed satisfaction with his discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, emphasizing the two nations’ efforts to diversify their bilateral cooperation. His meeting with Macron was equally productive, with Modi stating that their conversations reaffirmed India-France ties as a “force for global good.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted his second meeting this year with South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung, which he described as indicative of the strong momentum in their Special Strategic Partnership. Modi stated they exchanged perspectives to deepen economic and investment linkages.

During his discussions with Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Modi emphasized the importance of enhancing trade and cultural ties between the two nations. He also spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, noting the “very productive” nature of their conversation.

Broader Engagements

In addition to these key meetings, Modi interacted with other leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. He reiterated India’s strong commitment to enhancing trade and cultural linkages with Angola and described the partnership with Singapore as a key driver of growth and stability.

Following discussions with Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Modi reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger, future-oriented friendship. His dialogue with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the robust ties between India and Germany, particularly in trade, technology, and innovation.

Modi’s interaction with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, underscored India’s engagement with international institutions to build a healthier planet and a more equitable global trading system.

In sharing a ‘Family Photo’ with fellow G20 leaders, Modi emphasized their collective commitment to global progress and prosperity. He concluded his engagements by stating, “Together, our nations continue to strengthen a bilateral relationship that is people-focused, future-ready and rooted in enduring trust.”

The G-20 Summit served as a platform for Modi to not only advocate for India’s position on global issues but also to forge stronger ties with other nations in pursuit of shared goals.