G20 Summit 2025: India-France 'Immortal Friendship' Shines at G20 Summit: PM Modi and President Macron's Special Meeting
G20 Summit 2025 - India-France 'Immortal Friendship' Shines at G20 Summit: PM Modi and President Macron's Special Meeting
A Significant Encounter at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg
The second day of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, witnessed a series of high-level diplomatic engagements and crucial discussions among world leaders. Amidst the bustling activity, a particularly warm interaction unfolded between India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and France's President Emmanuel Macron. President Macron, with a discernible smile on his face, made his way through the crowded hall directly towards the Indian delegation. Upon reaching Prime Minister Modi, the two leaders exchanged a warm handshake, a gesture that immediately captured the attention of onlookers and the media alike. The flash of cameras illuminated their deep friendship, which was evident in their cordial demeanor as they stood together for photographs, symbolizing the strong bond between their nations.
Praise for India-France Relations
During this significant meeting, President Emmanuel Macron openly lauded the strong relationship between India and France. He emphasized that the friendship shared by the two countries wasn't only beneficial for their respective nations but also held positive implications for the future of the world, while prime Minister Modi reciprocated these sentiments, acknowledging the enduring friendship between India and France as a vital force for global interest. The setting of the G20 Summit, a platform for addressing critical global issues, underscored the importance of such bilateral camaraderie. The visible warmth and mutual respect between the two leaders sent a powerful message on the international stage, highlighting the strength of their strategic partnership.Macron's Heartfelt Message on Social Media
Following his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, President Macron took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his profound joy and appreciation. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, "Thank you, my friend Narendra Modi. When countries move forward together, they become even stronger. May the friendship between our countries be immortal! " This message not only showcased the personal rapport between the two leaders but also underscored the depth of the strategic alliance between India and France, while the use of the phrase "my friend" clearly indicated a personal connection that transcends mere diplomatic protocol, reflecting a genuine bond.PM Modi's Response in French
Prime Minister Modi responded to President Macron's warm gesture with equal enthusiasm and a thoughtful touch. Notably, PM Modi chose to post his reply on X in French, the official language of France. This gesture was a clear demonstration of respect for France and highlighted the cultural and diplomatic ties that bind the two nations. His post read, "Happy to meet President Macron during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. We had useful discussions on various issues, while the mutual relations between India and France remain an important force for global interest. " This response, delivered in French, further emphasized the unique nature of their relationship and Prime Minister Modi's diplomatic acumen.India-France Partnership for Global Interest
In his social media message, Prime Minister Modi specifically highlighted that the mutual relations between India and France continue to be an important force for global interest. This statement underscores the far-reaching impact of their partnership. At a forum like the G20 Summit, where discussions revolve around global economy, climate change, sustainable development, and geopolitical challenges, the convergence of major powers like India and France, and their commitment to strong relations, is crucial for global stability and progress. Their discussions encompassed a wide array of important global issues, indicating that their partnership extends beyond bilateral concerns to encompass broader international dimensions.PM Modi's Other Key Engagements at G20
Prime Minister Modi's engagements at the G20 Summit weren't limited to his meeting with President Macron. During his time in South Africa, he held several other significant bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the crucial summit. These included interactions with British Prime Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. These meetings provided India with valuable opportunities to strengthen its bilateral ties with diverse nations and further solidify its position on the global stage, fostering cooperation on various international agendas.Call for Rethinking Global Development Standards
Addressing the inaugural session of the G20 leaders' meeting, Prime Minister Modi made a significant call for action. He urged a deep reconsideration of Global Development Standards. This appeal comes at a time when the world is grappling with various developmental challenges, and the efficacy of traditional development models is being questioned. Prime Minister Modi's statement encourages the global community to move towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development path. It also reflects India's commitment to not only its own national progress but also to playing an active role in bringing about positive change on a global scale, advocating for a more balanced and just approach to development.