Agenda for PM Modi in Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Johannesburg couldn’t come at a more intense time. The world’s economy is shifting, security concerns are piling up, and international diplomacy feels like it’s being rewritten on the fly. At the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Modi has a packed agenda: he wants to strengthen India’s strategic partnerships, secure new energy deals, expand trade channels, and maintain India’s leadership position in the Global South.
Defence: Front and Centre
Defence cooperation sits right at the top of Modi’s list. India is working hard to team up with countries that share its outlook—think technology swaps, joint military training, building defence equipment together, and keeping the seas secure.
PM Modi is particularly interested in strengthening ties with Australia and South Africa. He wants India and these partners to sync up in the Indo-Pacific, where there’s a lot at stake. Defence ministers are discussing a range of initiatives, from enhancing combat capabilities to launching additional peacekeeping missions and intensifying the fight against terrorism. India’s influence in these areas just keeps growing.
All of this fits into a clear goal: build a stronger security setup for India, and show everyone that India’s a partner they can count on.
Nuclear Energy: Clean Power That Lasts
Nuclear energy is another big-ticket item. For India, it’s not just about keeping the lights on—it’s about long-term energy security and sticking to climate promises. In Johannesburg, Modi is pushing for better access to advanced nuclear tech, steady fuel supplies, and joint research into small modular reactors.
These partnerships matter. India needs to cut emissions but still keep the economy moving. Nuclear power—reliable and low on emissions – is a key part of the plan.
Modi’s talks should open up more nuclear deals, tighter regulatory ties, and maybe even joint ventures that help India hit its clean energy goals.
Trade & Investment: India Steps Up
Trade is always at the core of Modi’s diplomacy. He’s meeting global leaders to boost trade, line up deals on critical minerals, and pull in more foreign investment for India’s factories, infrastructure, and green energy projects.
He’s also pushing for better global supply chains and fairer value chains, using tech to drive bigger and smarter economic partnerships. Africa is front and center, too—India sees African economies as vital partners for growth.
With these moves, Modi wants India to stand tall as a stabilizing force in the global economy and as a leading voice for the world’s developing nations.
Championing the Global South
On top of the one-on-one meetings, Modi’s also jumping into the IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) talks and catching up with the Indian diaspora. These moments are all about showing India’s commitment to the Global South and pushing for a world order that’s more open, more fair, and truly inclusive.
