'Long live the friendship...': Macron's message for 'dear friend' Modi at G20 Summit

Macron hailed the ties between India and France after PM Modi's message calling the countries' relations “a force for global good.”

Published on: Nov 23, 2025, 10:07:04 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit 2025 in South Africa's Johannesburg.

“Delighted to meet President Macron during the Johannesburg G20 Summit," PM Modi posted on X. (X/ @narendramodi)

In a post on X, Macron responded to PM Modi's message after the meeting, while hailing the friendship between India and France. Modi had called the meeting with Macron “engaging”, while also calling India and France ties a “force for global good.”

“Delighted to meet President Macron during the Johannesburg G20 Summit. We had an engaging exchange on different issues. India–France ties remain a force for global good!” PM Modi said in a post on X.

In response to Modi's post, Macron said, “Thank you, my friend, dear @NarendraModi. Nations are stronger when they move forward together. Long live the friendship between our countries!”

Apart from Macron, Modi also met his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other key leaders.

At the G20 summit, PM Modi highlighted the “shared commitment” of world leaders towards “global progress and prosperity.” During the second session of the summit on Saturday, Modi stressed on the need to enhance international cooperation for disaster preparedness and response.

The Prime Minister pointed to the establishment of a Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during India's G20 presidency in 2023, while commending South Africa on prioritising the issue. “Natural disasters continue to pose a major challenge to humanity. This year as well, they have impacted a large portion of the global population,” Modi said during his address.

Modi further pitched a six-point agenda, including proposals on urgent action against “drug-terror nexus”, creation of a global healthcare response team, establishment of Africa-Skills Multiplier Initiative and a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository.

PM Modi also announced a G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership and called for the creation of a G20 Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.