At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi seized the moment to reinforce India’s global standing through a series of impactful bilateral meetings. Engaging with world leaders from Italy, Indonesia, Portugal, Norway, the UK, and France, Mr. Modi prioritized key areas like trade, technology, sustainability, and multilateral cooperation. These discussions highlighted India’s proactive diplomacy and its determination to shape global narratives, showcasing the country as a vital partner in addressing today’s challenges and opportunities.
Fostering Economic Growth and Innovation
Economic collaboration was a cornerstone of the Prime Minister’s discussions, as he sought to deepen trade ties and explore innovative avenues for growth. Talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer focused on expediting negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both leaders expressed optimism about resolving outstanding issues to create a mutually beneficial deal that could elevate the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Additionally, Mr Modi announced the establishment of new Indian consulates in Manchester and Belfast, a move aimed at enhancing services for the Indian diaspora and strengthening cultural and economic connections. Discussions with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store underscored the significance of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) agreement. Both leaders acknowledged its potential to attract greater investments and boost bilateral trade. Similarly, Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro emphasized collaboration in emerging sectors such as IT, renewable energy, and mobility. The focus on startups and innovation highlighted the shared intent to harness technological advancements for economic progress.
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Mr Modi took their partnership a step further by announcing the Strategic Action Plan 2025-29. The plan outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration across key sectors, including trade, co-production, and clean energy. This five-year roadmap reflects a commitment to strengthening economic and industrial ties while fostering innovation-driven growth. Innovation was also at the heart of Mr Modi’s discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders commended progress in the digital technology partnership and emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving future economic growth. France’s upcoming AI Action Summit gained support, with both sides aligning on the transformative potential of AI and other digital technologies. These discussions reinforced India’s position as a hub for innovation and its commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions for development.
Indonesia, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties with India, emerged as another key partner in advancing trade and innovation. During his first meeting with newly elected Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Mr Modi emphasized collaboration within the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both leaders agreed to leverage this milestone anniversary to promote cultural and economic ties further.
Addressing Sustainability and Strengthening Global Ties
Sustainability and multilateral cooperation were recurring themes in Mr. Modi’s engagements. Norway emerged as a pivotal partner in India’s renewable energy ambitions. Discussions focused on green hydrogen, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable projects in solar, wind, and geothermal energy. These initiatives align with India’s efforts to lead the global energy transition while addressing climate challenges.Italy and France also reaffirmed their shared commitment to sustainability. Mr. Modi’s dialogue with Prime Minister Meloni emphasized Italy’s active participation in the Global Biofuels Alliance and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Both leaders recognized the potential of these initiatives to drive clean energy adoption and improve regional connectivity. France’s expertise in renewable energy and India’s growing capacity for green innovation further strengthened their partnership in addressing global climate goals.
With Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro, Mr Modi explored avenues for renewable energy collaboration, focusing on innovation in green technologies and startups. This reflects India’s broader strategy of integrating sustainability into its economic framework while creating opportunities for international cooperation. The Prime Minister’s first meeting with Indonesia’s President Subianto further underscored India’s commitment to the Global South. Both leaders emphasized prioritizing the concerns of developing nations within multilateral forums such as the G20 and ASEAN. Their discussions reinforced the importance of collective action in addressing challenges such as climate change, global inequality, and sustainable development.
Multilateralism remained a critical focus of Mr. Modi’s engagement with French President Macron. Their shared vision for regional stability and global reform was evident as they discussed Indo-Pacific strategies and their commitment to reinvigorating international institutions. Both leaders reiterated their dedication to building a stable, rules-based international order that promotes strategic autonomy and democratic values. People-to-people ties featured prominently in these bilateral engagements. The announcement of new consulates in the UK highlighted India’s commitment to enhancing support for its diaspora while strengthening cultural exchanges. Portugal and India’s discussions on professional mobility and skilled worker exchanges further emphasized the human dimension of international cooperation. The upcoming celebrations of the 75th anniversary of India-Indonesia diplomatic relations provided another opportunity to deepen cultural and economic connections.
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