Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hosted a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi, fostering international cooperation and discussing a wide range of issues. Here’s a summary of these crucial interactions:
1. India-France Strategic Partnership Continues to Strengthen
Prime Minister Modi welcomed President Emmanuel Macron of France, building upon the strong India-France strategic partnership commemorating its 25th anniversary. The leaders discussed bilateral relations, focusing on the ‘Horizon 2047′ Roadmap, Indo-Pacific cooperation, and more. They also acknowledged the success of India’s G20 Presidency and its commitment to reformed multilateralism. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was announced, with both leaders pledging to support its implementation. President Macron congratulated India on the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, emphasizing the two nations’ longstanding space cooperation.
2. Strengthening Ties with Brazil
Prime Minister Modi met with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, discussing ways to enhance the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. They explored cooperation in areas such as bio-fuels, pharmaceuticals, agro-based industries, space, and aviation. Both leaders extended congratulations for each other’s G20 Presidencies, highlighting the continued collaboration between the two countries.
3. Türkiye-India Relations
Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, discussing potential cooperation in trade, investment, defense, civil aviation, and shipping. President Erdoğan expressed gratitude for India’s prompt relief efforts during an earthquake in Türkiye earlier in the year. Both leaders also applauded India’s Chandrayaan Mission success.
4. Germany’s Support and Collaboration
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany met with Prime Minister Modi, recognizing the success of India’s G20 Presidency. They reviewed the progress of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership and explored opportunities for deeper cooperation in defense, sustainable development, critical minerals, skilled personnel mobility, and education. The leaders also exchanged views on global issues and invited Chancellor Scholz to India for the next round of the Intergovernmental Commission.
5. Strengthening India-EU Ties
Prime Minister Modi met with President Charles Michel of the European Council and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission. Discussions focused on the India-EU Strategic Partnership, ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations, climate change, digital technology, and the recently launched India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Both leaders emphasized the need for expeditious implementation of the corridor and the potential for solar projects within it.
6. Bolstering African Relations
Prime Minister Modi met with President Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros, where President Assoumani thanked India for its efforts to make the African Union a permanent member of the G20. Both leaders discussed various initiatives and opportunities for cooperation, particularly in maritime security, capacity building, and development partnership.
7. India-Korea Special Strategic Partnership
President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea congratulated Prime Minister Modi on India’s G20 Presidency and Chandrayaan mission success. The leaders reviewed progress in their Special Strategic Partnership, emphasizing trade, investment, defense production, semiconductors, and EV battery technology.
8. Deepening India-Nigeria Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, discussing various areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, defense, agriculture, millets, financial technology, and capacity building. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for India’s efforts to secure permanent African Union membership in the G20.
9. Enhancing India-Netherlands Ties
Prime Minister Modi met with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands, discussing ways to deepen their bilateral partnership. The leaders explored cooperation in trade, investment, defense, clean energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors, cyber, and digital technology, among other areas.
10. India-Canada Relations
Prime Minister Modi held discussions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, underscoring the importance of their bilateral relationship. While congratulating India on its G20 Presidency, Prime Minister Modi expressed concerns about anti-India activities in Canada and stressed the need for mutual respect and trust.
11. Honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy
Prime Minister Modi, along with G20 leaders, paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, emphasizing Gandhi Ji’s timeless ideals of peace, service, compassion, and non-violence as guiding principles for a harmonious, inclusive, and prosperous global future.
These meetings reflect India’s commitment to strengthening international relations, fostering cooperation, and addressing critical global challenges. The G20 Summit continues to provide a platform for leaders to collaborate on shaping a better world.
