PM Modi Meets Australian PM Albanese In Johannesburg At G20 Summit

Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, stepped onto South African soil for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, where he met the Australian PM Anthony Albanese after his arrival in the city. The bilateral talks between PM Modi and Albanese took place in a quieter, more formal setting in the afternoon. The two leaders reviewed the progress made in their strategic partnership, noting the growing cooperation not only in trade and investment but also in defence, education, renewable energy, science and technology, and people‑to‑people exchanges.

During their meeting, both expressed optimism about deepening the QUAD dialogue with Japan and the United States, and they reaffirmed a shared commitment to a free and open Indo‑Pacific. The conversation was described as friendly and constructive, with the leaders sharing a laugh over a brief cultural exchange.

During bilateral talks with PM Modi in Johannesburg, Australian PM Albanese extended condolences over the Delhi terror attack and the Saudi Bus crash in which several Indian nationals died.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Modi took to X, saying, “Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation. During our talks today, emphasised three key sectors, defence and security, nuclear energy and trade, where there is immense potential for ties to grow further. The other sectors discussed included education, cultural exchanges and more.”

Australian PM Albanese also posted, "Australia and India are great friends and partners. From trade, defence and security to education and clean energy, our relationship is fundamentally important. Wonderful to catch up with my friend Prime Minister Modi ahead of the G20 Summit."

PM Modi’s Johannesburg Visit

PM Narendra Modi touched down at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Gauteng on Friday, the first stop of a three‑day South African tour that will see him attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg. He was greeted at the airport with the members of the local Indian diaspora swarming the tarmac with national flags and chanting ‘Modi-Modi’, while a troupe of traditional dancers and singers performed a lively welcome.

The Indian prime minister was received at the airport by South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who offered a formal salute and a warm handshake. After the ceremonial greetings, PM Modi took a moment to chat with the performers, thanking them for their hospitality and saying that the welcome had reaffirmed the enduring bonds between the people. He later posted on social media that he was looking forward to productive discussions with world leaders during the summit.

Historic G20 Summit In Johannesburg

The G20 summit in Johannesburg is a historic moment, as it is the first time the gathering of the world’s biggest economies has been hosted on African soil. The theme, ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, reflected South Africa’s ambition to give a stronger voice to the Global South. In his opening remarks, PM Modi emphasised India’s vision of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family)’, and pledged to champion the concerns of developing nations throughout the three‑day programme.

After his arrival, the prime minister’s schedule remained packed. He was due to speak at three separate sessions, meet other world leaders, and attend the sixth India‑Brazil‑South Africa (IBSA) summit on the sidelines.

The visit is expected to strengthen India‑South Africa ties further, showcase the vibrancy of the Indian community abroad, and give a human face to the high‑level talks that will shape global policy in the weeks to come.