Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met several world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, saying they collectively reaffirmed their shared commitment to global progress and prosperity.
Sharing updates on X, Modi said his meeting with Starmer reflected renewed momentum in India–UK ties and expressed confidence in taking the partnership forward. He described his conversation with Ibrahim as a “great exchange of views” and said India and Malaysia would continue working to expand bilateral cooperation.
Modi said he was “delighted” to meet Macron and discussed a range of issues, noting that India–France relations continue to play a positive role globally. His meeting with South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung, the second this year, focused on strengthening economic and investment linkages within the Special Strategic Partnership.
After meeting President Lula da Silva, Modi said India and Brazil would keep working together to enhance trade and cultural ties. He described his discussion with Guterres as “very productive”.
Modi also posted a family photograph with G20 leaders, saying they reaffirmed their collective commitment to global progress. He noted India’s close ties with Angola, highlighted ongoing cooperation with Singapore, and reiterated India’s commitment to a future-oriented partnership with Vietnam.
He said his meeting with Merz underscored strong India–Germany ties, particularly in trade, technology, and innovation. Modi also held discussions with WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and met Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, calling the bilateral partnership people-focused and future-ready.
His interaction with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus included appreciation for India’s contributions to global health efforts. Modi thanked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for hosting the summit upon arriving at the venue.
Addressing the opening session, Modi called for a fundamental reassessment of global development parameters and proposed creating a G20 initiative to counter the drug–terror nexus along with a global healthcare response team.
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