As Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Johannesburg, South Africa for the G-20 Summit, he held bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Both leaders discussed a wide range of issues to bolster the India and Australia strategic partnership in a comprehensive way. They discussed the further prospects of the deepening bilateral partnership in the domain of trade, connectivity, defence, security, science and technology etc. Potential areas of cooperation were also discussed including education, energy security and other sectors which are critical to ensure national security and economic prosperity in an era of spiking unpredictable geopolitical upheavals, including trade wars, tariff tussle, energy conundrum, supply chain gridlocks etc.
“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”, wrote Prime Minister Modi on his X social media platform. “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”, PM Modi further affirmed.
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,… pic.twitter.com/SjPixu4iek
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
India and Australia, being key players in the Indo-Pacific region, have a shared vision for the peace and prosperity of the maritime domain. As members of the Quad forum, they persistently advocate for free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific, thus seeking to restore freedom of navigation and balance of power. Australia is also a key trade partner for India especially to ensure supply chain resilience as the nation is a treasure-house of critical and strategic minerals that are crucial to seek self-reliance in emerging technologies. Australia is also a pivotal defence partner for India and recently a series of MoUs were inked during the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, thus strengthening the comprehensive defence cooperation in the domain of joint military hardware production, cyber security, maritime security etc.
Bharat’s cultural strength flourishes in the African continent
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, Indian cultural strength, the incredible saga of soft power flourished. The strong network of Indian diaspora in South Africa unleashed their cultural and civilizational links to India. “Deeply touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in Johannesburg. This affection reflects the enduring bond between India and South Africa. These ties, rooted in history and strengthened by shared values, continue to grow even stronger!”, said Prime Minister Modi.
Meanwhile, PM Modi was welcomed with Ganapathi prarthana and Shanti mantra and other prayers that resonated India’s ancient knowledge system and rich civilizational heritage prevailing and enduring oceans across even after centuries. The members of the Indian community in South Africa also performed the folk dance representing 11 states of India. The performance was titled as “Rhythms of a United India”. PM Modi hailed the Indian community for keeping their ancestral roots intact, despite residing in a distant nation.
The cultural connect between India and South Africa is truly heartwarming and timeless.
In Johannesburg, my young friends sang the Ganapati Prarthana, Shanti Mantra and other divine prayers with great devotion. Such moments reaffirm the enduring bonds between our people. pic.twitter.com/0VeCjHQSSN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
Another highlight that acted as a testament for the long-shared historical link between India and South Africa was that the South African ‘Girmitiya’ song ‘Ganga Maiya’ was performed. The song reflects the deep historical and civilizational link between India and South Africa. “This song carries with it hope and the unbroken spirit of those who came here many years ago. They faced numerous hardships on the way but that did not deter them. They kept India alive in their hearts through songs and prayers”, asserted Prime Minister Modi. Another highlight is that the ‘Ganga Maiya’ song was also performed in the Tamil language thus echoing deep cultural connect.
It was a gladdening and moving experience for me to witness a performance of the South African Girmitiya song ‘Ganga Maiya’ in Johannesburg. Another special part of this performance was the rendition in Tamil! This song carries with it hope and unbroken spirit of those who came… pic.twitter.com/FaTHdldOCv
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
While interacting with the Indian community in South Africa, Prime Minister Modi urged the vibrant diaspora to keep up, continue and enhance their people-to-people linkages. He also reiterated them to popularize the Indian culture among the people of South Africa through Yoga, Ayurveda etc.
PM Modi also held discussions with the Indian origin entrepreneurs in Johannesburg. Discussions aimed to foster India-South Africa cooperation in the domain of FinTech, education, agriculture, healthcare etc. Meanwhile, Indian diaspora in South Africa thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India for extending the (Overseas Citizens of India)OCI card facility to the seventh generation of the Indian-origin persons, which was earlier restricted upto four generations.
