Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met India’s Narendra Modi in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, as South Africa opened its first turn hosting the gathering. The meeting came as heads of state from Europe, Asia and South America arrived in the city, with the host nation promoting a theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability while managing tensions caused by a boycott from US President Donald Trump and warnings from Washington over any joint declaration.
Before the formal sessions begin, Albanese met India’s Narendra Modi, describing the partnership as central to Australia’s future. “Australia and India are great friends and partners,” he said. “From trade, defence and security to education and clean energy our relationship is fundamentally important. Wonderful to catch up with my friend Prime Minister Modi ahead of the G20 Summit.”
Modi said their conversation came at a moment when both sides see momentum. “Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation. During our talks today, emphasised three key sectors, defence and security, nuclear energy and trade, where there is immense potential for ties to grow further. The other sectors discussed included education, cultural exchanges and more.”
The meeting took place as world leaders began arriving for a gathering defined as much by absence as attendance. The United States has refused to take part after President Donald Trump chose to boycott, China sent a deputy instead of Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin remains unable to travel due to the ongoing ICC warrant. Even so, leaders including Modi, the UK’s Keir Starmer, Germany’s Friedrich Merz and Albanese are present.
South Africa has deployed around 3,500 additional police as protests and security risks are expected across the two days. The country set aside R691 million for preparations. The stakes are high. G20 members account for the bulk of global economic activity, and South Africa is using the moment to push for reforms that give developing nations greater say in decisions that affect food security, energy, climate finance and debt sustainability.
Albanese’s first stop in Johannesburg was Freedom Park, where he paid tribute to Australians who supported the struggle against apartheid. “Freedom Park commemorates those who fought for a free and democratic South Africa,” he said. “Today, I paid my respects to three Australians who will be honoured here: Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Bruce Haigh. Their actions embodied the cause of understanding and reconciliation between all people, and reflected the best of who we are as Australians.”
The Prime Minister is also using the summit to press Australia’s position on economic resilience during a period marked by higher global volatility. “The biggest challenges facing the Australian economy are global ones,” he said. “And at a time of global uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that Australia has a seat at the table. That’s why I’m here at the G20, representing Australia’s interests.”
Later in the day, he met senior EU leaders to advance work on trade and security. “Our relationship with the EU is based on shared values – and it’s growing stronger,” he said. “Today I met with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa to progress our trade, security, defence and research cooperation.”
The summit continues through the weekend, with leaders attempting to find common ground in an environment shaped by wars, stalled global growth and a renewed focus on how developing countries can gain fairer access to capital and markets. South Africa will hand the presidency to the United States next year, with the 2026 summit scheduled for Miami.
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