New Delhi/Johannesburg, 24 November (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday evening after successfully concluding his engagements at the historic G20 Leaders' Summit and holding extensive bilateral meetings with global leaders over three days. The visit, marking the first G20 Summit on African soil, witnessed intensive diplomatic activity as India reinforced its strategic partnerships across multiple continents.

Summit Participation and Key Initiatives

During the summit held from November 21 to 23, Prime Minister Modi participated in all three sessions focused on critical global challenges, including climate resilience, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence governance.

The Prime Minister unveiled six major development initiatives aimed at strengthening global cooperation, including proposals for a global traditional knowledge repository, a G20 initiative to combat the drug-terror nexus, and enhanced frameworks for clean energy transitions through critical minerals recycling and joint research.

PM Modi also called for a comprehensive global compact to prevent misuse of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that critical technologies must remain human-centric rather than finance-centric.

Bilateral Engagements Strengthen Partnerships

The Prime Minister held extensive bilateral discussions with numerous world leaders, demonstrating India's commitment to deepening international cooperation. On Saturday,PM Modi met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

On Sunday, he engaged with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and leaders from Jamaica and the Netherlands.

PM Modi also participated in the historic India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Leaders' Meeting, where he proposed establishing an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance and an IBSA Fund for Climate Resilient Agriculture.

Departure Reflections

Before departing, Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction with the summit outcomes, stating that the successful Johannesburg G20 would contribute to a prosperous and sustainable planet. He noted that his meetings and interactions with world leaders were fruitful and would deepen India's bilateral linkages with various nations.

The Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa and the South African government for organizing the summit, acknowledging the warm hospitality extended throughout his visit.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar