Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (November 18) held several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, among others, on the sidelines of the ongoing G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
At the G20 Summit hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Modi met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The duo talked about relaunching trade talks in 2024. To be sure, Downing Street said the UK is seeking a new strategic partnership with India. The new partnership could include a trade agreement and cooperation in areas such as security, education, technology, and climate change.
“A new trade deal with India will support jobs and prosperity in the UK,” Starmer said. Modi described the talks as “extremely productive.” PM Modi also pointed out that India is ready to strengthen its partnership with the UK in areas like green energy, technology, and innovation.
Prime Minister Modi also held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders discussed working closely in sectors such as space, energy, and artificial intelligence.
“It is always a matter of immense joy to meet my friend, President Emmanuel Macron,” Modi posted on X. He also said that the talks included improving people-to-people ties. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the meeting advanced the India-France Strategic Partnership, with discussions also covering regional issues, including the Indo-Pacific.
“The leaders discussed ways to further strengthen India-France ties in the areas of trade and investment, technology, AI, DPI. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the Indo-Pacific,”
MEA said in the post.
Modi’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni focused on defence, trade, and cultural cooperation. “India-Italy friendship can greatly contribute to a better planet,” Modi said on X.
Modi also met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He assured President Subianto of India’s commitment to expanding the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Narender Modi also met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Portuguese leaders, and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez. The meetings covered areas such as trade, technology, and cultural exchanges.
