Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a flurry of significant bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday, strengthening strategic partnerships across commerce, security, and technology with key global partners including Canada, Italy, Japan, and South Africa.
1. India-Canada: Trade Target Jumps to $50 Billion
Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, signaled a significant revival of bilateral relations after a period of strain. The two leaders focused on dramatically expanding economic and strategic ties.
- Trade Target: The two sides set an ambitious target to raise the bilateral trade figure to USD 50 billion by 2030, a substantial increase from the current $30 billion.
- CEPA Negotiations: The leaders agreed to begin negotiations on a high-ambition Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
- Sectoral Cooperation: Both nations agreed to further advance relations in trade, investment, technology and innovation, energy, and education, with a commitment to unlock deeper cooperation in the defence and space sectors. Modi noted the increasing interest of Canadian Pension Funds in Indian companies.
- Trilateral Partnership: The meeting followed the announcement of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovative (ACITI) Partnership, a trilateral initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation among the three democracies in emerging technologies and diversifying supply chains.
2. India-Italy: Joint Initiative Against Terror Financing
In talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the focus was placed on enhancing the India-Italy Strategic Partnership and bolstering global security cooperation.
- Countering Terror Financing: The key outcome was the adoption of the ‘India-Italy Joint Initiative to Counter Financing of Terrorism’. This initiative is aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation on countering terrorism and strengthening collaboration in global forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).
- Solidarity: PM Meloni expressed solidarity with India regarding the recent terror incident in Delhi, reiterating Italy’s strong commitment to combatting the “scourge of terrorism.”
- Bilateral Ties: Discussions also covered advancing cooperation in trade, investment, defence, innovation, AI, space, and education.
3. India-Japan: Strategic Sectors and Talent Mobility
Prime Minister Modi met his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, discussing ways to add momentum to the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
- Strategic Cooperation: The leaders agreed to work closely in key strategic sectors including defence, AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, technology, and innovation.
- Economic Ties: Modi emphasized the need to enhance trade ties and talent mobility, stating that a strong India-Japan partnership is vital for global peace and prosperity.
4. India-South Africa: Amplifying the Global South
In a review of bilateral ties with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the leaders focused on strengthening the voice of the Global South.
- Bilateral Boost: They agreed to enhance cooperation in AI, Digital Public Infrastructure, critical minerals, and facilitating mutual investments in infrastructure, technology, and mining.
- G20 Outcomes: Modi thanked Ramaphosa for the successful conduct of the Summit and appreciated South Africa’s efforts to build on the outcomes of India’s 2023 G20 presidency, including a renewed focus on the issues of the Global South.
The summit’s “G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders’ Declaration”, which was adopted unanimously on Saturday, found resonance with India’s priorities, particularly the campaign against terrorism, climate finance, and addressing the concerns of developing nations.