Rio de Janeiro - The vibrant atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro was electrifying as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with world leaders on the sidelines of the 19th G20 Summit. This gathering, which saw Modi arriving after his visit to Nigeria, provided ample opportunities for key bilateral meetings aimed at enhancing global cooperation.
Modi opened his agenda by meeting with Brazil's President Luiz Lula da Silva, who warmly welcomed him upon arrival. Expressing his gratitude, Modi noted, "Looking forward to the proceedings at the G20 Summit. Thankful to President Lula for the warm welcome." Their initial interactions saw them engaging in cordial handshakes, which set the tone for detailed discussions about strengthening bilateral ties.
At the summit, President Lula shared insights with Modi, expressing how India's leadership during its G20 Presidency inspired Brazil's approach to this year's discussions. “Your G20 leadership serves as inspiration for us,” Lula remarked, underlining India's significant role on the world stage.
Modi emphasized the need to broaden cooperation across several sectors, identifying energy, defence, agriculture, and technology as key areas for development. “We reaffirmed our commitment to improving cooperation between our nations," he said after their detailed talks.
The Indian Prime Minister also had significant interactions with other key leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden. Modi shared on X, “Always a delight to meet him,” following their bilateral discussions, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-India partnership. The visuals of them seated together indicated the close relationship the two nations share.
Continuing with the global focus, Modi met with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Each meeting was pivotal, as they navigated discussions on joint ventures and international policies, reinforcing India’s intent to maintain its strong alliances.
During his meeting with Macron, Modi asserted, “The theme for this year’s G20 Summit is Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” highlighting the focus on social inclusion and sustainable development. The leaders addressed pressing global issues such as poverty reduction and reforms needed within global governance.
The cordiality extended beyond formal meetings as Modi interacted with Singapore's Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. “A wonderful interaction with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore during the G20 Summit,” Modi commented, demonstrating the breadth of India's outreach.
Through all these engagements, PM Modi worked to reinforce India's voice on the global stage, ensuring the country's perspectives on various global challenges were shared. The Prime Minister also expressed optimism about utilizing these discussions to influence future global policies, placing emphasis on India's commitment to "One Earth, One Family, One Future."
Post his participation at the G20 Summit, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian PM to the Caribbean nation in over 50 years. This follow-up trip highlights India's growing diplomatic efforts and its role as an engaged partner across continents.
Attending the summit and engaging positively with multiple leaders, PM Modi showcased India’s proactive role on the global forum, reinforcing its alliances and underlining its emphasis on collaborative problem-solving. The discussions have set the stage for addressing global challenges, emphasizing India’s commitment to sustainability and development.
