PM Modi hails successful G20, emphasises human-centric technology and open-source models

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed Johannesburg on Sunday, concluding his engagements at the G20 Leaders’ Summit and a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders.

“After successfully concluding his engagements at the G20 Summit and meetings with world leaders, PM Narendra Modi departs from Johannesburg, South Africa,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post.

Modi hails fruitful interactions and global cooperation

“The successful Johannesburg G20 will contribute to a prosperous and sustainable planet. My meetings and interactions with world leaders were very fruitful and will deepen India's bilateral linkages with various nations,” Modi posted on X.

He also thanked the South African people, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and the Government of South Africa for organising the summit.

Key bilateral meetings

During his visit, Modi met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and leaders from Jamaica and the Netherlands.

He also held discussions with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. Earlier, he engaged with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and several other world leaders.

Technology, AI, and global cooperation on Modi’s agenda

Addressing the third session of the G20 summit, Modi urged a global compact to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence. He called for critical technologies to be human-centric rather than finance-centric.

He emphasised that technology applications should be global, based on open source models rather than exclusive systems.

Calls for UN reforms and IBSA leadership

At the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) leaders’ summit, Modi stressed that reform of the UN Security Council is now a necessity. He highlighted that the IBSA troika should send a strong message for changes in global governance institutions.

Proposals for clean energy, healthcare, and development

Modi proposed a G20 initiative to boost clean energy transitions through recycling, easing supply chain pressures, and joint research on critical minerals.

He suggested a partnership to make satellite data more accessible and interoperable and called for a rethink of global development parameters. Modi also proposed a G20 plan to counter the drug-terror nexus and set up a global healthcare response team.

Historic first G20 summit in Africa

Modi arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base (AFB) in Gauteng on Friday, receiving a warm ceremonial welcome. This marks the first G20 Summit held in Africa. The African Union joined the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.