PM Modi Meets US President Joe Biden at G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro

New Delhi, November 18, 2024 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with outgoing US President Joe Biden during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking a continuation of strong diplomatic ties between India and the United States. Modi described the meeting as "always a delight," emphasizing the cordial relationship between the two leaders.

The two-day summit, hosted in Rio de Janeiro, began on Monday and brought together world leaders to discuss pressing global issues. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi shared a photograph with President Biden, captioning it, “With @POTUS Joe Biden at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Always a delight to meet him.”

The meeting followed previous interactions between the two leaders, including their discussions at the Quad Leaders' Summit in September, which also featured Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japan's then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Additionally, Modi and Biden briefly interacted during the G7 Summit in Italy earlier in June and had a phone call in August where they addressed global and regional issues, including political developments in Bangladesh.

Bilateral Engagements at G20 Summit

In addition to his meeting with President Biden, Prime Minister Modi held discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. These meetings reflect India’s active role in shaping international collaborations and addressing global challenges.

A Historic Tour

Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the G20 Summit in Brazil is part of his three-nation tour, which began in Nigeria. His visit to Nigeria was a historic milestone, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the African nation in 17 years since Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure. During his time in Nigeria, Modi was honored with the country's highest civilian award, underscoring the strengthening India-Africa ties.

Upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro, the Prime Minister was greeted with a warm reception by members of the Indian diaspora, accompanied by Sanskrit chants, highlighting the cultural bond between India and its global communities. Following his engagements in Brazil, Modi is set to conclude his tour with a visit to Guyana, the second South American nation on his itinerary.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

As the host of last year’s G20 Summit in New Delhi, Modi’s active participation in this year’s summit highlights India’s growing influence on the global stage. His engagements with world leaders, including President Biden, underline India’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and addressing shared challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.