On the sidelines of the 19th G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in several high-level bilateral meetings, emphasizing India’s strategic partnerships with key global leaders.
India-Italy Friendship: A Vision for a Better Planet
PM Modi met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on bolstering ties in defence, security, trade, and technology. He also explored cooperation in culture and education, expressing optimism about the potential of India-Italy relations to contribute positively to global challenges.
“India-Italy friendship can greatly contribute to a better planet,” Modi stated, sharing his enthusiasm for deepening bilateral relations.
India-UK: Relaunch of FTA Talks
In his meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Modi welcomed the announcement of the relaunch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in the new year. Both leaders discussed enhancing ties in security, education, technology, and climate change.
Starmer expressed the UK’s commitment to forging a robust trade deal with India, citing its potential to drive growth and create opportunities across the UK.
“For India, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UK is of immense priority. We are eager to work closely in areas such as technology, green energy, security, and innovation,” Modi said.
The meeting was hailed as a step forward in the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both nations expressing a shared commitment to deepening economic and cultural linkages.
India-France: Advancing Strategic Partnerships
PM Modi held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on collaboration in space, energy, AI, and other advanced technologies. Modi also congratulated Macron on France’s successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“It is always a matter of immense joy to meet my friend, President Emmanuel Macron,” Modi remarked, emphasizing shared goals in trade, investment, and regional issues like the Indo-Pacific.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing India-France Strategic Partnerships in diverse fields.
Strengthening India’s Global Ties
Other key meetings included discussions with:
- Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store, emphasizing cooperation in defence and trade.
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, where Modi assured the expansion of the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Portuguese leaders, with a focus on commerce and defence collaborations.
Key Outcomes
PM Modi’s engagements at the G20 Summit underline India’s active role in shaping global policies and fostering strategic partnerships. From renewed trade negotiations to advancing cooperation in technology and energy, these bilateral talks reinforce India’s growing influence on the world stage.
The India-Italy, India-UK, and India-France partnerships remain pivotal as India continues to expand its global footprint across economic, technological, and cultural dimensions.
