Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive bilateral discussions with leaders from several nations during the G20 Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 18 to 19, 2024. These meetings highlighted India’s commitment to strengthening ties with strategic partners across diverse sectors, including defense, trade, technology, renewable energy, and healthcare. Below is a detailed account of PM Modi’s interactions with each leader and the key topics discussed.
India-Italy: Strengthening Strategic Partnership
PM Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss ways to enhance bilateral ties in defense, security, trade, and technology. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29, aimed at elevating their partnership.
– Enhancing cooperation in defense and security.
– Expanding trade and technological collaborations.
– Promoting cultural and educational exchanges.
PM Modi highlighted the broader implications of India-Italy friendship, stating that it could significantly contribute to global betterment. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the strength of the strategic partnership and its potential to flourish under the Action Plan.
India-Indonesia: Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
In a historic meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, PM Modi commemorated 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Discussions were focused on bolstering the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
– Enhancing cooperation in commerce, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
– Strengthening security partnerships.
– Exploring new opportunities in trade and investment.
PM Modi assured President Subianto of India’s full support in various developmental initiatives and emphasized the shared cultural and historical ties that underpin their relationship.
India-Portugal: Expanding Economic Linkages
During his meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, PM Modi underscored the importance of revitalizing economic partnerships, particularly in renewable energy and green hydrogen.
– Enhancing defense and economic cooperation.
– Promoting renewable energy investments and workforce development.
– Strengthening people-to-people connections.
Both leaders noted the growing potential for collaboration in clean energy and green technologies, aligning their efforts towards a sustainable future.
India-Norway: Building on Arctic Policy
PM Modi’s meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store centered on deepening India-Norway relations, particularly in trade, renewable energy, and innovation. The discussion reflected the progress made under India’s Arctic Policy.
– Investment opportunities in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and the blue economy.
– Collaboration in research, innovation, and multilateral forums.
– Trade enhancement through the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
The MEA highlighted the exploration of new avenues for cooperation, particularly in emerging technologies and economic linkages.
India-Australia: Launching Renewable Energy Partnership
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to co-launch the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP). The second annual summit between the two leaders demonstrated their shared ambition for climate action.
– Investment in solar PV, green hydrogen, and energy storage technologies.
– Advancing the defense and security partnership.
– Enhancing collaboration in education, skills development, and mobility.
The leaders emphasized the importance of a strategic long-term vision to ensure regional peace and security, with an eye towards renewing the Joint Declaration on Defense and Security Cooperation in 2025.
India-UK: Resuming Trade Talks
In his first meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, PM Modi discussed the resumption of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and announced the establishment of two new Consulates General in Belfast and Manchester.
– Boosting trade and addressing migration and mobility issues.
– Enhancing cooperation in defense, technology, and green finance.
– Establishing consular support for the Indian community in the UK.
Both leaders recognized the mutual benefits of a comprehensive strategic partnership and expressed optimism about deepening bilateral relations.
India-France: Cooperation in Futuristic Sectors
PM Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron to review their strategic partnership, focusing on futuristic areas like space, artificial intelligence (AI), and clean energy.
– Collaborative opportunities in space exploration and AI.
– Strengthening ties in clean energy initiatives.
– Reflecting on France’s successful hosting of the Paris Olympics.
PM Modi’s discussions with Macron reaffirmed the strong bond between India and France, rooted in shared values and global aspirations.
India-US: A Brief Interaction
PM Modi met US President Joe Biden, marking a cordial exchange of views on bilateral and global issues. The meeting reflected the robust India-US partnership underpinned by shared democratic values and PM Modi shared it was a ‘delight’ to meet President Biden.
PM Modi also engaged with leaders from Brazil, Singapore, and Spain during the summit along with UN Secretary General, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and collaborating on global challenges such as climate change and food security.
PM Modi’s meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Summit underscored India’s growing global influence and commitment to fostering strategic partnerships. Through discussions on defense, technology, renewable energy, and economic collaboration, these engagements reinforced India’s position as a key player in shaping the global agenda.
