Modi caps summit with diplomatic marathon

Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, African Union Chairperson and Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye and Ugandan Vice-President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo on the sidelines of the summit.

The meeting with Ramaphosa focused on the India-South Africa strategic partnership, with the two leaders reviewing cooperation in trade, defence, security and other areas and agreeing to maintain close coordination at multilateral forums.

Against the backdrop of India’s successful cheetah translocation programme, Modi also invited South Africa to consider joining the International Big Cat Alliance.

His meeting with Shettima focused on expanding the India-Nigeria strategic partnership, particularly in trade and investment, defence and security, energy, agriculture, healthcare and digital technology. The two leaders also discussed strengthening the voice of the Global South and working towards a more representative and multipolar international order.

With Tokayev, Modi reviewed cooperation spanning trade, defence and security, connectivity, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies, while with Marcos, he discussed expanding the strategic partnership in defence, trade, space, railways, fintech, education, tourism and technology.

Marcos, who is attending the summit as the current ASEAN chair, also reaffirmed the Philippines’ decision to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

Modi’s meeting with Ndayishimiye carried a wider Africa focus. The two leaders discussed the early convening of the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit and recalled India’s role in bringing the African Union into the G20 during its presidency in 2023.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, development partnership and capacity-building. Ndayishimiye appreciated Indian medical support to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in tackling the Ebola outbreak.

In his meeting with Ugandan Vice-President Alupo, Modi pushed for greater cooperation in technology, capacity-building, investment and private-sector partnerships and called for closer engagement to strengthen the voice of the Global South.

The string of meetings came as India sought to use its BRICS presidency to deepen its engagement with developing countries and strengthen its position as a voice for the Global South.