New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit, marking a significant diplomatic milestone as the African continent hosts the prestigious gathering for the first time. The PM Modi G20 Summit visit received a ceremonial welcome, setting the stage for crucial discussions on global cooperation and development priorities.
Warm Ceremonial Welcome in Johannesburg
Upon arrival at Johannesburg airport, the PM Modi G20 Summit visit began with a traditional welcome ceremony. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, South Africa’s minister in the presidency, received the Prime Minister at the airport. The ceremonial reception featured a cultural group performing traditional South African dances and songs, providing a vibrant introduction to the PM Modi G20 Summit engagement.
“Landed in Johannesburg for the G20 Summit related engagements. Look forward to productive discussions with world leaders on key global issues,” the Prime Minister wrote in a social media post shortly after his arrival.
Africa’s Historic G20 Hosting Debut
The PM Modi G20 Summit participation holds special significance as this marks the first time the G20 meeting is being held on African soil. This historic moment gained additional importance following the African Union’s admission as a G20 member during India’s presidency in 2023, expanding the forum’s representation and ensuring greater African participation in global economic governance.
The PM Modi G20 Summit agenda reflects India’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and advancing collective development priorities while building toward a better future for all nations.
Bilateral Meeting with Australian Prime Minister
Shortly after landing in Johannesburg, the PM Modi G20 Summit schedule included a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The discussion covered issues of mutual and bilateral interest, demonstrating the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, Albanese expressed condolences over recent tragedies affecting India, including a blast in Delhi and a bus accident in Saudi Arabia that claimed several Indian lives. This compassionate gesture during the PM Modi G20 Summit visit underscored the strong bonds between the two democracies.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: India’s Guiding Philosophy
Prior to his departure, Modi emphasized that the PM Modi G20 Summit participation would be guided by India’s ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family) and the vision of ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’. This approach positions India as a nation committed to inclusive global development and collective problem-solving.
The PM Modi G20 Summit strategy focuses on presenting India’s perspectives while ensuring that developing nations’ voices are heard and their priorities addressed in global decision-making forums.
Three-Session Summit Structure
The PM Modi G20 Summit includes three comprehensive sessions covering critical global challenges. The Prime Minister is expected to speak in all three sessions, presenting India’s vision and solutions for pressing international issues.
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The first session of the PM Modi G20 Summit addresses “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind: Building our economies, the role of trade, financing for development and the debt burden.” This session focuses on ensuring economic benefits reach all segments of global society.
Climate and Resilience Discussions
The second session of the PM Modi G20 Summit tackles “A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Just Energy Transitions, Food Systems.” These topics represent urgent challenges requiring coordinated international responses, making the PM Modi G20 Summit discussions particularly timely.
Future-Focused Technologies and Fair Work
The third and final session of the PM Modi G20 Summit explores “A Fair and a Just Future for All: Critical Minerals, Decent Work, Artificial Intelligence.” This forward-looking agenda addresses emerging challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving global landscape.
IBSA Summit Participation
Beyond the PM Modi G20 Summit, the Prime Minister will also attend the sixth Summit of IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa Forum), a trilateral grouping that strengthens South-South cooperation. This additional engagement during the PM Modi G20 Summit trip underscores India’s commitment to fostering partnerships with fellow developing nations.
Engaging with Indian Diaspora
The PM Modi G20 Summit itinerary includes meeting with the Indian diaspora in South Africa, which represents one of the largest overseas Indian communities globally. This engagement reflects the Prime Minister’s consistent focus on connecting with Indian communities abroad and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Multiple Bilateral Discussions Planned
While the PM Modi G20 Summit serves as the primary focus, the visit will feature multiple bilateral discussions with various world leaders present in Johannesburg. These side meetings provide opportunities for India to advance its diplomatic objectives and strengthen relationships with key partner nations.
Strengthening Global Cooperation
The PM Modi G20 Summit participation demonstrates India’s growing role as a responsible global stakeholder committed to addressing shared challenges. By focusing on cooperation, development priorities, and ensuring a better future for all, India positions itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations.
The comprehensive agenda of the PM Modi G20 Summit reflects the multifaceted nature of contemporary global challenges, from economic inequality and climate change to technological advancement and fair labor practices. India’s active participation and Modi’s expected contributions across all three sessions underscore the nation’s commitment to shaping a more equitable and sustainable global order.
