G-20 Summit Highlights: PM Modi Meets World Leaders
The G-20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, has attracted significant attention as world leaders gather to discuss pressing global issues. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni were spotted exchanging smiles and handshakes at the summit venue, the Nasrec Expo Centre. This summit is particularly historic as it marks the first time Africa is hosting the G-20, with the African Union joining as a member during India’s presidency in 2023.
On 22 November, PM Modi was welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as he arrived at the venue. The gathering includes leaders from 42 countries, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron, showcasing the global importance of this summit. However, notable absences include U.S. President Donald Trump, who has boycotted the event due to claims of mistreatment of white individuals in South Africa.
Prior to the summit, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Australian PM Anthony Albanese, where condolences were expressed over recent tragedies affecting Indian citizens, including the Red Fort terrorist attack and a tragic bus crash in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of several Indian Umrah pilgrims.
The G-20 Summit is set to continue for two days at the Nasrec Expo Centre, which is South Africa's largest convention center, spanning 150,000 square meters. The discussions among leaders focus not only on economic matters but also on pressing global challenges, thus emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the G-20.
As the world watches, the outcomes of this summit could significantly impact international policies, especially in the context of economic recovery and global cooperation post-pandemic. The leadership and interactions at this summit could pave the way for enhanced collaboration among nations, reflecting the changing dynamics of global governance.