Modi Concludes G20 Summit in South Africa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi on Monday morning after concluding his visit to South Africa for the G20 Summit. His time in Johannesburg from November 22-23 was filled with significant discussions and meetings with world leaders. The summit, despite a boycott by the US, resulted in a 122-point declaration that focused on global equity, development, and climate goals.
One of the highlights of Modi's visit was his bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. During their discussion, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism by adopting the India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism. They also explored avenues for strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and defense.
Modi addressed the third session of the G20 Summit, which centered on ensuring a fair and just future for all. He emphasized India's belief in promoting technology that is "human-centric and open source," rather than being driven solely by finance. This aligns with India's approach to artificial intelligence (AI), which focuses on equitable access and responsible deployment.
In his remarks, Modi highlighted India's AI Mission, which aims to ensure that the benefits of AI reach every district and language across the country. He called for a global compact to prevent the misuse of AI technologies, including deepfakes and terrorism.
Looking ahead, Modi announced plans for India to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, under the theme 'Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya', which translates to welfare and happiness for all. He stressed the importance of shifting from an immediate focus on "jobs for today" to building "capabilities for tomorrow."
Modi expressed hope that the G20 will develop a global framework for talent mobility in the coming years, which would foster innovation and benefit youth worldwide. This vision reflects India's proactive stance in addressing the challenges of the future while ensuring that technological advancements are equitable and inclusive.
