Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday to attend the G20 Summit and held his first bilateral engagement with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
During the meeting, Albanese described the India–Australia partnership as “very strong” and said the economic relationship has scope to deepen further. He also conveyed condolences over the Delhi terror attack and the bus crash in Saudi Arabia, in which several Indian Umrah pilgrims lost their lives.
“We have much to discuss, and our relationship is very strong. I think the economic relationship we can strengthen further, and our defence and security ties are also very important going forward. And I look forward to our discussion today,” Albanese stated.
The talks between the two leaders came a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong co-chaired the 16th India–Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) in New Delhi — the fourth FMFD co-chaired by the two ministers.
During the dialogue, both sides reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation under the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership including trade and investment, defence and security, education and skills, research and innovation, science and technology, space, energy and people-to-people ties. They also discussed regional and global developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
While in New Delhi, Penny Wong also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Earlier, upon his arrival in Johannesburg, PM Modi witnessed cultural performances by members of the Indian diaspora. He shared details of the event on X, praising the community for preserving cultural ties with India.
“It was a gladdening and moving experience for me to witness a performance of the South African Girmitiya song ‘Ganga Maiya’ in Johannesburg. Another special part of this performance was the rendition in Tamil! This song carries with it hope and unbroken spirit of those who came here many years ago. They faced numerous hardships on the way but that did not deter them. They kept India alive in their hearts through songs and prayers. Thus, it is commendable to see this cultural connect kept alive,” PM Modi posted.
He added that the cultural connection between India and South Africa remains “heartwarming and timeless.” “In Johannesburg, my young friends sang the Ganapati Prarthana, Shanti Mantra and other divine prayers with great devotion. Such moments reaffirm the enduring bonds between our people,” he said.
PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival. “Deeply touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Johannesburg. This affection reflects the enduring bond between India and South Africa. These ties, rooted in history and strengthened by shared values, continue to grow even stronger,” he wrote.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg holds special relevance as it is the first G20 Summit hosted on African soil. He recalled that under India’s 2023 G20 Presidency, the African Union became a permanent member of the grouping.
PM Modi said the Summit will be an opportunity to discuss key global challenges. “The theme of this year’s G20 is ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, by which South Africa has carried forward the outcomes from the previous Summits held in New Delhi, India and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I will present India’s perspective at the Summit in line with our vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’,” he stated.
He added that he looks forward to meeting leaders of partner countries and participating in the 6th IBSA Summit on the sidelines of the G20.
“During the visit, I also look forward to my interaction with the Indian diaspora in South Africa, which is one of the largest outside India,” the Prime Minister said. (ANI)