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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Johannesburg, where the two leaders held bilateral discussions ahead of the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit.
Albanese began the meeting by expressing condolences over the Red Fort terrorist attack and the Saudi Arabia bus accident that claimed the lives of several Indian Umrah pilgrims. He added, "We have much to discuss, and our relationship is very strong. I think the economic relationship we can strengthen further, and our defence and security ties are also very important going forward. And I look forward to our discussion today."
This year marks the first time the G20 Summit is being hosted in Africa. South Africa, which has continued the momentum set by earlier Summits in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro, has adopted the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’. The African Union became a permanent member of the G20 under India’s presidency in 2023.
PM Modi is expected to deliver interventions across all three sessions of the Summit, focusing on inclusive economic growth, climate resilience and the role of artificial intelligence. The Ministry of External Affairs said the Prime Minister will outline India’s key priorities and viewpoints on the G20 agenda.
Before leaving for Johannesburg, PM Modi said the gathering would serve as a platform to deliberate on crucial global challenges. “I will present India’s perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and 'One earth, One Family and One future.’” He also said his participation in the 6th IBSA Summit on the sidelines of the event, saying, “I look forward to my interactions with leaders of the partner countries, and participation in the 6th IBSA Summit scheduled on the sidelines of the Summit.”
The Summit sessions will cover a wide range of themes: Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth with emphasis on trade, development financing, and debt challenges; A Resilient World, addressing disaster risk reduction, climate action, just energy transitions, and food systems; and A Fair and Just Future for All, focusing on critical minerals, decent work and the governance of artificial intelligence.
During India’s G20 presidency in 2023, PM Modi played a key role in securing the African Union’s entry into the grouping. The milestone was widely hailed as a major diplomatic success.
Upon reaching his hotel, the PM was greeted with cultural performances, including traditional dances and prayers recited by children. He interacted with the young performers, applauding as they chanted Vedic mantras and sang devotional verses.
Sharing his appreciation online, he wrote, "Deeply touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Johannesburg. This affection reflects the enduring bond between India and South Africa. These ties, rooted in history and strengthened by shared values, continue to grow even stronger!"
Calling the cultural bond between the two nations “truly heartwarming and timeless”, he added, "In Johannesburg, my young friends sang the Ganapati Prarthana, Shanti Mantra and other divine prayers with great devotion. Such moments reaffirm the enduring bonds between our people."
