PM Modi meets Australian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the G20, discusses bilateral relations

Johannesburg. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Johannesburg on Friday, and the two leaders discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest. Prime Minister Modi met with Albanese hours after arriving in South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The two leaders reviewed the progress of cooperation in various areas, including defense and security, critical minerals, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people contacts.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the strengthening and expansion of bilateral relations on the occasion of the completion of five years of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He stated that India and Australia have deepened cooperation in several areas and discussed ways to further expand it. The two leaders also agreed to further strengthen the fight against global terrorism. Albanese expressed condolences to the Indian victims of the recent terrorist attack in Delhi and the bus accident in Saudi Arabia.

During the meeting, Albanese said, “We have deep ties and the economic partnership needs to be further strengthened. Defense and security cooperation is also vital for the future.” Later, Albanese wrote on social media that Australia and India are close friends and partners, and ties ranging from trade to defense, security, education, and clean energy are vital.

A day earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in Delhi. The two countries reviewed progress made under various pillars of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed recent developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries reiterated their commitment to a free, secure, prosperous, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

PM Modi receives a grand welcome in South Africa, echoes of Ganesha and the Ganges at a cultural event
The Indian community gathered at a Johannesburg hotel presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a variety of cultural performances. Children recited Ganesha prayers and the Shanti Mantra. A female artist sang a hymn praising the glory of the Ganges in a distant continent.

The Prime Minister was overwhelmed by the performances by Indian artists. He shared photos and videos on social media, writing, “India’s magnificent cultural diversity was on display in South Africa. It is a matter of immense pride that the Indian community remains connected to its roots.” In a presentation titled “Rhythms of a United India,” members of the Indian community presented folk dances from 11 states of the country.

The event held at the hotel to welcome the Prime Minister, who arrived to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, featured programs focused on the cultures of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. Sharing a video of the children praying and chanting, the Prime Minister wrote, “The cultural connection between India and South Africa has always been heartwarming. Such moments further strengthen the enduring bonds between our people.”