NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 ; Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with leaders from South Africa, Egypt, the Philippines and Kazakhstan, alongside several other world leaders, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, with a strong focus on strengthening trade, investment, defence and strategic cooperation.
The meetings reflected India’s expanding global engagement and reinforced partnerships across Africa, Southeast Asia and Central Asia, while advancing the priorities of the Global South.
India-South Africa Partnership Gets Fresh Push
During his meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister Modi reviewed the full spectrum of the India-South Africa strategic partnership, including cooperation in mining, critical minerals, infrastructure, food security, digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies.
“Our partnership is rooted in history and firmly focused on the future,” Modi said, adding that both countries would continue working together for Africa’s progress, Global South priorities and a more balanced global order.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination in multilateral forums. Modi also invited South Africa to join the International Big Cat Alliance, building on the successful translocation of cheetahs from South Africa to India.
Stronger Economic and Defence Ties with the Philippines
Modi’s discussions with Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. centred on expanding cooperation in trade, technology, space, innovation and economic linkages.
The two leaders also explored ways to strengthen India-ASEAN engagement, while expressing satisfaction over progress in defence, security, railway infrastructure, fintech, education, tourism and science and technology.
Growing Strategic Cooperation with Egypt
Prime Minister Modi described his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as a “wonderful interaction,” with discussions covering regional developments and the rapidly growing India-Egypt partnership.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Fresh Momentum in India-Kazakhstan Relations
In talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Modi emphasised the vast potential for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, connectivity and innovation, alongside stronger cultural and people-to-people ties.
Engagement with African Leaders
The Prime Minister also met Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, congratulating him on assuming the chairmanship of the African Union.
Their discussions focused on development cooperation, youth skilling, agriculture, clean energy and capacity building. The MEA highlighted India’s role in bringing the African Union into the G20 during its 2023 presidency and reaffirmed that the India-African Union partnership remains a key pillar of Global South cooperation.
Modi also commended the AU leadership for its efforts in combating the Ebola outbreak.
Nigeria, Indonesia and Uganda on the Agenda
During his meeting with Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, Modi discussed collaboration in trade, power, clean energy, fertilisers, defence, healthcare, technology and capacity building.
Talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, reinforcing the longstanding India-Indonesia partnership.
In his meeting with Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo, Modi explored opportunities to deepen collaboration in healthcare, agriculture, digital technologies and capacity building.
India Strengthens Global South Diplomacy
The series of bilateral engagements highlighted India’s growing diplomatic outreach through BRICS, with trade, investment, defence cooperation, technology partnerships and Global South collaboration emerging as the central themes of the Prime Minister’s discussions with world leaders.
