PM Modi departs South Africa with a key message from the global stage.

Johannesburg: Following the G-20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the IBSA Leaders’ Summit today. PM Modi also proposed a Digital Innovation Alliance and emphasized reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). After completing his visit, PM Modi departed for India from Johannesburg.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during his visit to South Africa. During this visit, PM Modi also met with Brazilian President Lula and his South African counterpart Ramaphosa, on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit. The leaders of the three countries discussed important issues in detail. During his bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, PM Modi discussed enhancing mutual cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, mining, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence (AI). The two leaders also discussed skill development and food security.

The Ministry of External Affairs provided information regarding Prime Minister Modi’s meetings with the heads of state of Brazil and other countries in Africa. In a statement shared along with photographs, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that PM Modi participated in the IBSA Leaders’ Meeting and presented India’s vision to the world in a strong manner.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi left South Africa after completing his engagements at the G-20 Summit. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi’s meetings with several major world leaders were successful. Following this, the Prime Minister departed from Johannesburg for New Delhi.

Humans should retain ultimate responsibility for decision-making.
Underlining the importance of humans despite being surrounded by cutting-edge technology, PM Modi said, “The most important thing is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should enhance human capabilities, but the ultimate responsibility for decision-making should always remain with humans.” He said that in this age of AI, we must rapidly shift our perspective from today’s jobs to tomorrow’s capabilities. Promoting talent and mobility is also essential to accelerate innovation. He expressed hope that the G20 will be successful in developing a global framework for talent mobility in the next few years.

Concentration of resources in a few hands is a matter of concern.
On the final day of the G20 summit, in the presence of leaders from member countries, the Prime Minister stated that as technology advances, opportunities and resources are becoming concentrated in the hands of a few major powers. Technology-related conflicts are increasing worldwide. PM Modi described this conflict as a matter of concern for humanity. He said that conflict is also hindering innovation. To address this, we must fundamentally shift our thinking. Warning against the tendency to profit from technologies, PM Modi called for the development of human-centered technologies instead of financial ones.

Misuse of AI in activities like terrorism must be prevented
Calling for a global agreement to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI), Prime Minister Modi said, “We all must ensure that AI is used for global good and its misuse is prevented.” To do this, a global agreement on AI based on certain fundamental principles is essential. PM Modi also stressed the need for effective human oversight, security by design, transparency, and strict restrictions on the use of AI in deep fakes, crime, and terrorist activities.

Invitation to visit India for the AI ​​Impact Summit
Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the need for safe, reliable, and human-centered artificial intelligence (AI). Calling for contributions to the development of safe AI technology, PM Modi said, “The IBA trilateral platform can serve as an example of mutually complementary and sustainable development.” He invited IBSA leaders to the AI ​​Impact Summit to be held in India next year.

No room for double standards on terrorism
Underlining the importance of IBSA in the current geopolitical landscape, Prime Minister Modi said, “IBSA is not just a group of three countries, but an important platform connecting three continents, three major democracies, and three major economies. We must move forward in close coordination in the fight against terrorism. There is no room for double standards on such a serious issue.” He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation in areas such as coarse grains, natural farming, disaster resilience, green energy, traditional medicines, and health security.
PM Modi Proposed the Establishment of a Digital Innovation Alliance

Regarding the conflict between global powers, Prime Minister Modi said that when the world appears divided and fragmented, IBSA can provide a message of unity, cooperation, and humanity. Addressing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Lula da Silva, PM Modi said that IBSA should consider institutionalizing a National Security Advisor (NSA)-level meeting to strengthen security cooperation among the three countries. The Prime Minister also proposed the establishment of a Digital Innovation Alliance to facilitate the sharing of digital public infrastructure like UPI, health platforms like CoWIN, cybersecurity frameworks, and women-led technology initiatives among the three countries.

Reform of the United Nations Security Council is no longer an option, but an imperative: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also raised the issue of reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during this visit. He strongly advocated for reform, saying that change in the global institution is no longer an option, but an imperative. He said at a meeting of the leaders of India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) held on the sidelines of the G20 summit that this trilateral forum should send a clear message for reforms in global institutions. Addressing the third and final session of the summit, he also appealed for caution against the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).

South Africa, a major trading partner
South Africa is India’s largest trading partner in the African region. Bilateral trade between India and South Africa was US$19.25 billion in 2023-24. India has invested more than US$1.3 billion in South Africa from April 2000 to September 2024. These investments have been made in the pharmaceuticals, information technology, automotive, banking, and mining sectors.

Invitation to Join the Big Cat Alliance
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) regarding PM Modi’s visit to Africa, the two leaders (Modi and Ramaphosa) welcomed the growing presence of Indian companies in South Africa and placed special emphasis on increasing investment and innovation. PM Modi also thanked President Ramaphosa for South Africa’s role in relocating cheetahs to India and invited him to join the International Big Cat Alliance.

Amplifying the Voice of the Global South
The statement issued by the PMO further stated that the two leaders agreed to work together to strengthen the voice of the Global South. PM Modi praised South Africa’s initiative to convene the IBSA leaders’ meeting, while Ramaphosa expressed full support for India’s BRICS presidency in 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was also present during the meeting.

Discussion on initiating youth delegation exchanges
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during the meeting with President Ramaphosa, discussions were held on initiating youth delegation exchanges to enhance technology and people-to-people ties between Africa and India. Modi also congratulated the South African leader on his successful presidency of the G-20 Summit this year. In addition to the Ministry of External Affairs’ social media handles, PM Modi also shared photos of their meeting on social media.

PM Modi said – Discussion on enhancing cooperation with Africa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his Twitter handle, “I had a very good meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg. We had a detailed review of every aspect of the India-South Africa partnership. We discussed various aspects of commerce, culture, investment, and expanding cooperation in various areas, particularly in areas like technology, skills, AI, essential minerals, and other areas.”