PM Modi Highlights Growing Ties With Jamaica And Strengthened Cooperation With Global South Partners At G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Jamaican counterpart, Andrew Holness, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Sunday, underscoring the strengthening partnership between the two nations. Both leaders discussed shared priorities, and the deepening ties shaped by historical bonds and cultural connections.

In a post shared on X, PM Modi described the meeting as a continuation of the longstanding friendship between India and Jamaica.

He noted that the bilateral relationship is expanding with a shared commitment to collective progress, reflecting the growing collaboration between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and reviewed the full spectrum of India–South Africa relations.

Their discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in trade, culture, investment and emerging sectors such as advanced technology, skilling, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.

Following the meeting, PM Modi praised South Africa’s successful G20 Presidency and highlighted the mutual interest in diversifying collaboration. Senior officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and MEA Secretary Sudhakar Dalela, were present during the engagement.

IBSA Leaders Push for Global Reform and Technology Collaboration

PM Modi also took part in the India–Brazil–South Africa (IBSA) Leaders’ Meeting, where he called for stronger coordination among the three nations in addressing global challenges.

Emphasising the need for institutional reform, he pointed out that none of the IBSA countries is a permanent member of the UN Security Council—a clear indication, he said, that global governance structures no longer reflect contemporary realities.

He urged unified efforts in combating terrorism and criticised the prevalence of double standards in global approaches to security. He proposed formalising National Security Advisor–level meetings within IBSA to bolster security cooperation.

Highlighting the role of technology in driving human-centric development, PM Modi suggested the creation of an ‘IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance’.

The initiative would facilitate collaboration in areas such as digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, health platforms and women-led technology innovations. He invited IBSA leaders to participate in the AI Action Summit in India in 2026, stressing the shared responsibility to shape safe and trustworthy global AI standards.

The discussions reflected India’s broader vision of strengthening partnerships across the Global South, promoting inclusive development and advancing collective technological progress.

Also Read: PM Modi Calls For New IBSA Agriculture Fund To Boost Sustainability