PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome In Johannesburg Ahead Of G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday to attend the two-day G20 Leaders’ Summit, receiving a cordial reception upon landing.

The gathering, scheduled for 22–23 November, marks the first time the G20 convenes in Africa, adding notable significance to this year’s discussions.

Shortly after his arrival, the Prime Minister posted on X, expressing optimism about ‘productive discussions with world leaders on key global issues’ and reiterating India’s commitment to development-focused cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi is visiting South Africa at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. This trip also marks his fourth official visit to the country following earlier engagements, including BRICS summits and a bilateral visit.

In his departure statement, he highlighted the historic nature of the summit, particularly following the African Union’s admission to the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.

He noted that South Africa’s theme, ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, builds on recent global commitments made during summits hosted in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro.

The Prime Minister will address all three summit sessions, which will cover sustainable economic growth, disaster resilience, climate change, energy transitions, food systems, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and decent work.

India to Engage in Key Multilateral Dialogues

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi will also participate in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by South Africa.

New Delhi views the summit as an opportunity to maintain momentum on priorities it championed during its own G20 presidency, including inclusive development and greater representation for the Global South.

Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) at the MEA, stated that India aims to ensure continuity of its strategic focus at a forum representing over 85 per cent of global GDP and nearly three-quarters of the world’s population.

Pretoria has identified four central themes for its presidency: strengthening disaster preparedness, supporting debt sustainability for low-income nations, financing a just energy transition and harnessing critical minerals for equitable growth.

India is expected to contribute actively to each of these discussions as world leaders gather to address shared global challenges in Johannesburg.

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