PM Modi Holds Constructive Dialogue With UN Secretary-General At G20 Johannesburg Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described his meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as ‘very productive’, following discussions held on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg.

Sharing a photograph with the UN chief on X, PM Modi expressed satisfaction with the depth and clarity of their exchange.

A very productive conversation with the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres on the sidelines of the G20 Johannesburg Summit.@UN @antonioguterres pic.twitter.com/aPtCzWGXDJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 22, 2025

The meeting came shortly after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s discussions with Guterres in New York earlier this month.

After that meeting, Jaishankar had noted that he valued the Secretary-General’s assessment of the global order, multilateral cooperation, and ongoing regional flashpoints.

Ahead of the G20 Summit, the UN Secretary-General had extended condolences to India following the car bomb explosion near the Red Fort on November 10. According to his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, Guterres expressed solidarity with the government and people of India in the aftermath of the attack.

Saturday’s meeting between PM Modi and Guterres took place after the Prime Minister addressed the opening session of the G20 Summit, his 12th participation in the forum.

In his address, he underscored India’s concept of Integral Humanism, highlighting the need to harmonise development with environmental responsibility.

He also acknowledged South Africa’s efforts under its G20 presidency in sectors such as skilled migration, tourism, food security, artificial intelligence, digital innovation and women’s empowerment.

India Pushes Forward with Key Global Initiatives

PM Modi reiterated the need to amplify the voice of the Global South within international governance structures. He underlined India’s commitment to the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future, emphasising that no segment of the world should be left behind in the pursuit of sustainable growth.

During the session, he advanced four major proposals that build upon decisions taken during the New Delhi Summit earlier this year.

These include the creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, a G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team, and a coordinated effort to counter the Drug–Terror Nexus.

These initiatives, he said, represent concrete steps towards equitable global development and enhanced international cooperation.

Also Read: PM Modi Urges New Global Development Vision At G20 Summit In Johannesburg