PM Modi Meets Italian, Portuguese, and Norwegian Leaders at G20 Summit to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with leaders from various nations, including Italy, Indonesia, Norway, and Portugal, during the G20 Summit. These discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. Modi arrived in Brazil after a two-day visit to Nigeria. On Monday, he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to explore ways to strengthen ties in defence, security, trade, and technology.

Modi expressed his satisfaction with the meeting with Giorgia Meloni on X, highlighting the focus on deepening cooperation in culture and education. "Glad to have met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the sidelines of the Rio de Janeiro G20 Summit. Our talks centred around deepening ties in defence, security, trade and technology. We also talked about how to boost cooperation in culture, education and other such areas. India-Italy friendship can greatly contribute to a better planet," Modi stated.

Strengthening India-Italy Relations

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on X that the strategic partnership between India and Italy is robust. Both leaders endorsed the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29 to further enhance bilateral ties. "Strategic Partnership going strong! Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy on the sidelines of the G20 Brazil Summit in Rio," the MEA noted.

In another significant meeting, Modi conversed with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. They discussed enhancing ties in commerce, security, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Modi remarked on X about their meeting's significance as it marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia. "Delighted to meet President Prabowo Subianto during the G20 Summit in Brazil. This year is special as we are marking 75 years of India-Indonesia diplomatic relations," he said.

India-Indonesia Diplomatic Milestone

The MEA highlighted this milestone by stating that both leaders explored ways to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "Commemorating 75 years of warm and friendly ties! Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia on the sidelines of the G20 Brazil Summit," it mentioned.

Modi also had a productive dialogue with Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. Their conversation revolved around invigorating economic connections between India and Portugal. Modi emphasised opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors on X: "Had a very good meeting with Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr Luis Montenegro."

Economic Collaboration with Portugal

The MEA reported that both sides deliberated on strengthening bilateral ties in areas like economy, renewable energy, defence, and people-to-people connections. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of Portugal today on the sidelines of the G20 Brazil Summit in Rio," it stated.

During his interaction with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Modi discussed enhancing investment linkages between India and Norway. The focus was particularly on renewable energy, green hydrogen, and the blue economy. "The meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store was excellent," Modi shared on X.

India-Norway Bilateral Relations

The MEA noted that discussions included deepening trade and economic cooperation following the signing of India-EFTA-TEPA. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store of Norway on the sidelines of G20 Brazil Summit," it mentioned.

International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath also met Modi at the summit. She praised India's efforts in reducing hunger and poverty through innovative initiatives. "Great to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Rio," she said on X.

Modi responded by affirming India's commitment to food security and poverty elimination: "India stands committed to promoting food security and eliminating poverty." Earlier that day, Modi briefly interacted with US President Joe Biden and other world leaders from Brazil, Singapore, and Spain during the summit.