PM Modi Meets Italy’s Giorgia Meloni On G20 Sidelines In Johannesburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where both leaders participated in the ongoing multilateral discussions.

The meeting took place shortly after PM Modi arrived at the G20 venue and was welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The formal reception began a series of scheduled engagements for the Indian Prime Minister during the summit.

Modi reached South Africa on Friday to a warm welcome. A cultural troupe greeted and bowed to him at the airport, symbolising the historic ties between India and South Africa. This trip marks his fourth official visit to the country. He previously travelled to South Africa for the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023, as well as for a bilateral visit in 2016, reflecting the growing strength of the partnership between the two countries. This year's G20 Summit continues the grouping's rotation across the Global South for the fourth consecutive year, following Indonesia, India, and Brazil. With South Africa set to assume the presidency in 2025, the Global South's significance within the G20 continues to expand.

Modi also began his bilateral engagements on Friday with a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Their conversation focused on ongoing cooperation and areas of collaboration, bolstering India's diplomatic outreach ahead of the summit's main sessions.

During his visit, the Prime Minister also interacted with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg. Sharing a message on X, he wrote: "Met the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye Know India Quiz in South Africa. This Quiz encourages members of our diaspora to learn more about India's history, culture and more. It truly strengthens our diaspora's connect with India."

He later held talks with the chairman and CEO of Naspers, discussing growing investment opportunities in India's digital economy. The discussions reinforced the increasing global interest in India's tech landscape and the expanding role international companies are seeking within it.

PM Modi also highlighted a cultural programme he attended in Johannesburg. In a post on X, he said: "It was a very joyful and emotional experience for us to witness the performance of the South African Girmitiya song Ganga Maiya in Johannesburg. Another special aspect of this performance was that the song was also sung in Tamil! This song embodies the hope and unwavering courage of those people who came here many years ago. Through these songs and bhajans, they kept India alive in their hearts. Therefore, witnessing this cultural connection still vibrant today is truly commendable."