Johannesburg [South Africa], November 22 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, engaging in discussions as both leaders took part in multilateral deliberations in Johannesburg.
The meeting came shortly after Prime Minister Modi arrived at the G20 venue, where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed him. His formal reception marked the beginning of a series of high-level engagements during the summit. Modi received a warm welcome on Friday as a cultural troupe greeted him at the airport and bowed in respect, underscoring India’s longstanding ties with South Africa.
This visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth official trip to South Africa, following his attendance at the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023 and a bilateral visit in 2016. His repeated visits reflect the strengthening partnership between the two nations.
This year’s G20 Summit continues the grouping’s rotation through the Global South for the fourth consecutive year, following Indonesia, India, and Brazil. With South Africa set to assume the G20 presidency for 2025, the region’s leadership continues to gain prominence on the global stage.
Prime Minister Modi also began his bilateral engagements on Friday by meeting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Their discussion centered on cooperation and ongoing areas of engagement, adding momentum to India’s diplomatic outreach ahead of key summit sessions.
In addition to formal meetings, Modi interacted with a group of Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg. Sharing the moment on X, he wrote, “Met the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye Know India Quiz in South Africa. This quiz encourages members of our diaspora to learn more about India’s history, culture, and more. It truly strengthens our diaspora’s connect with India.”
Continuing his outreach, Modi held discussions with the chairman and CEO of Naspers, focusing on expanding investments in India’s digital ecosystem and highlighting global interest in the country’s growing tech sector.
Prime Minister Modi also attended a cultural performance in Johannesburg. Posting on X, he wrote, “It was a very joyful and emotional experience for us to witness the performance of the South African Girmitiya song ‘Ganga Maiya’ in Johannesburg. Another special aspect of this performance was that the song was also sung in Tamil. This song embodies the hope and unwavering courage of those who came here many years ago. Through these songs and bhajans, they kept India alive in their hearts. Therefore, witnessing this cultural connection still vibrant today is truly commendable.” (ANI)
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