At the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, PM Modi met multiple global leaders and proposed initiatives on talent mobility, digital innovation and climate-resilient agriculture while reinforcing cooperation across trade, defence and technology.

During the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level bilateral meetings, reinforcing India’s role in shaping global cooperation.

He met Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, highlighting historic ties rooted in culture and mutual respect, and affirmed India’s commitment to shared development. In another discussion with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, both leaders acknowledged rapid progress in sectors such as water resources, innovation, technology and energy, with plans to expand trade and investment.

An IBSA Leaders' Meeting chaired in Johannesburg reaffirmed the group’s determination to amplify the voice of the Global South. PM Modi called for institutional reforms, stronger coordination against terrorism and enhanced cooperation in digital innovation and climate-resilient agriculture. He proposed the formation of an IBSA Digital Innovation Alliance and an IBSA Climate-Resilient Agriculture Fund.

On the sidelines, he engaged with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and later held constructive talks with Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi on deepening cooperation in defence, innovation, talent mobility and trade.

The Prime Minister also interacted with Canada’s PM Mark Carney, where both agreed to accelerate collaboration in technology, energy, education, investment, space and defence.

During the summit’s third session, PM Modi outlined India’s vision for a G20 Global Framework for Talent Mobility, aimed at preparing countries for the AI-driven future through skill development and international collaboration. In another key engagement, he and a global leader unveiled a Joint Initiative to boost cooperation against terrorism financing, reinforcing their commitment to global security.

Analysis: These engagements suggest India is positioning itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations. Focusing on talent mobility and innovation could directly benefit emerging economies by promoting future-ready skillsets. Strengthening partnerships in defence and technology will also be vital as AI and strategic security increasingly shape global alliances.