• Source:JND
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G20 Summit South Africa: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese soon after arriving in South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The talks, held in Johannesburg, reviewed progress across the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as the two nations mark five years of the upgraded framework.

Leaders Review Defence, Critical Minerals, Trade Ties

During the meeting, the two leaders took stock of cooperation in key sectors including defence and security, critical minerals, trade and investment, education, clean energy, and people-to-people ties. Officials described the discussions as constructive, with both sides expressing satisfaction over the “substantial deepening and diversification” of the partnership.

PM Modi said he had a “very good meeting” with Albanese, emphasising the potential for deeper collaboration in defence, nuclear energy, and trade, alongside stronger cultural and educational exchanges.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the leaders discussed ways to expand collaboration in emerging areas while reinforcing ongoing engagements. “They also committed to strengthening the global fight against terrorism,” he noted in a post on social media.

PM Albanese conveyed condolences for the recent terrorist attack in Delhi and the bus accident in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian Umrah pilgrims. He said the India-Australia partnership remained robust and had “significant potential” for further growth, particularly in economic and defence cooperation.

Focus on Global Challenges, Indo-Pacific Cooperation

This year’s G20 Summit is historic, being held for the first time on the African continent. The theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability” builds on the momentum of previous summits hosted in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro.

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In a statement ahead of his departure, PM Modi said he looked forward to “productive discussions” with world leaders, adding that India’s approach at the summit would reflect the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

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Australian PM later posted on social media, calling India and Australia “great friends and partners” and highlighting cooperation in trade, defence, education, clean energy and critical technologies.

A day earlier, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the 16th India-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue in New Delhi, reviewing developments in the Indo-Pacific and reaffirming a shared commitment to a free and open region.

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