Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making headlines as he engages with global leaders at the G20 Summit held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The summit is not just another international gathering but serves as a significant platform for addressing global issues and fostering bilateral relations. Modi’s meetings with various heads of state reflect India's growing importance on the world stage and its aspirations for greater collaboration on pressing challenges.
On November 18, PM Modi held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, expressing genuine delight at seeing his "friend". Their discussions were aimed at reinforcing ties, especially focusing on sectors like space, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI). Modi commended Macron for the successful hosting of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics earlier this year, showcasing the friendly rapport between the two leaders. He has emphasized on social media, stating, "It is always a matter of immense joy to meet my friend, President Emmanuel Macron," and noted their commitment to close collaboration.
Not long after his meeting with Macron, Modi met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, describing their encounter as “excellent”. They explored opportunities to bolster investment linkages, particularly concentrating on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and the blue economy. Modi pointed out how joint Arctic policies have advanced India-Norway relations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
Italy was another significant stop on Modi’s diplomatic agenda during the summit. He met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they discussed strengthening collaborations in defense, security, trade, and technology. Modi mentioned, "Our talks centered around deepening ties", emphasizing how the India-Italy friendship can greatly contribute to creating a more sustainable planet.
Overall, Modi's engagement did not stop with just these three countries. He also took the opportunity to interact with leaders from Indonesia and Portugal, reflecting India's commitment to global discourse and partnerships.
Interestingly, at the summit, Modi highlighted India’s proactive approaches to social issues, particularly during the session on "Social Inclusion and the Fight Against Hunger and Poverty". He proclaimed India’s ambitious aim to lift 250 million people out of poverty through combined old and new methodologies. His remarks were directed at illustrating India's challenges and its strategies, including organic farming and promoting climate-resistant crops to combat hunger and maintain agricultural sustainability.
One focal point during his speech was the emphasis on the significance of global south nations' voices, particularly concerning the crises stemming from international conflicts affecting food security, fuel, and fertilizer supplies. Modi firmly stated, "Countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel and fertilizer crisis caused by global conflicts," underlining the need for collective action to address these pressing issues.
Highlighting India’s inclusive developmental policies, Modi reiterated India’s efforts, including providing free rations to 800 million people, and stressed the importance of high-quality, affordable healthcare for the underprivileged. He explained, "India believes in the approaches of ‘Back to Basics’ and ‘March to Future’. That is why we are emphasizing organic farming, popularizing millets, and encouraging climate-resilient crop varieties," which demonstrates India's commitment to sustainable development.
During the summit, Modi praised Brazil’s leadership for continuing the people-centered objectives set during the previous G20 gathering held in New Delhi. He described the formation of a global coalition to tackle hunger and poverty as "commendable" and expressed India’s dedication to supporting endeavors for food security worldwide.
Another highlight of Modi's engagements at the summit was his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Both leaders discussed deepening their strategic partnership, with Starmer expressing the UK’s readiness to resume trade talks with India next year. Modi outlined the importance of enhancing ties, especially focusing on areas such as technology and green energy, and shared his excitement about these developments.
Reflecting on the summit’s broader implication, Modi stated, "It is clear the theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future remains extremely pertinent". This ancient Sanskrit mantra, grounding the summit's overarching theme, signifies unity and inclusivity amid diverse global cultures and challenges.
Through engaging with fellow leaders on such important topics, PM Modi is paving the way for stronger international cooperation, particularly concerning mutual economic interests and addressing shared responsibilities toward sustainability and social justice across nations. The dialogues at the G20 Summit highlight India's growing influence and its desire to play an active role on the global stage, tackling issues of hunger, poverty, climate change, and sustainable development with partners worldwide.
