PM Modi Attends G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Receives Warm Welcome from President Ramaphosa

Johannesburg— Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as he arrived at Nasrec, Johannesburg, to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit on Saturday.

PM Modi is among several global leaders participating in the November 22–23 summit.

After landing in Johannesburg on Friday afternoon (local time), the Prime Minister said he looked forward to “productive discussions” with world leaders on important global challenges.

“Our focus will be on strengthening cooperation, advancing development priorities and ensuring a better future for all,” PM Modi posted on X following his arrival.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with participating leaders.

On Friday, he met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The two leaders reviewed the growing India–Australia partnership and identified key sectors for deeper engagement.

In a post on X, PM Modi described the conversation as “very good,” noting that this year marks five years of the strategic partnership between the two nations.

“Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years, and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation. During our talks today, we emphasised three key sectors — defence and security, nuclear energy and trade — where there is immense potential for ties to grow further. Other areas discussed included education and cultural exchanges,” he wrote.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders expressed satisfaction with the “deepening and diversification of cooperation” since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.

The Australian Prime Minister also conveyed solidarity with India over the recent terror attack, and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying the global fight against terrorism.

Discussions covered a wide range of cooperation, including political engagement, defence, security, energy, trade, investment, critical minerals, technology, mobility, education, and people-to-people connections. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments.

This year’s G20 is the fourth consecutive summit hosted in the Global South and the first ever held on African soil. It also marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth official visit to South Africa, following his bilateral visit in 2016 and his participation in the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023.

“This will be a particularly special Summit as it is the first G20 Summit being held in Africa. During India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the African Union was inducted as a permanent member of the G20,” PM Modi said in his departure statement.

He added that the summit offers an important platform to discuss key global issues. The theme of this year’s G20 — *‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’* — builds on the outcomes of previous summits held in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro.

“I will present India’s perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — One Earth, One Family, One Future,” PM Modi said.

—With inputs from IANS