PM Modi meets Presidents of US, France and his counterparts from Britain, Canada on sidelines of G20 Summit; Holds discussion with Pope Francis at Vatican
Rome, October 30
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Pope Francis at Vatican City. Mr Modi and Pope Francis discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for people across the world. They also discussed the challenge posed by climate change. Prime Minister briefed the Pope about the ambitious initiatives taken by India in combating climate change as well as India’s success in administering one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses. The Pope appreciated India’s assistance to countries in need during the pandemic. They discussed a wide range of issues aimed at making the planet better such as fighting climate change and removing poverty. The meeting that was scheduled only for twenty minutes went on for an hour. Prime Minster extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India at an early date which was accepted with pleasure. Mr Modi also met Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
This was the first meeting between an Indian Prime Minister and the Pope in more than two decades. In June 2000, Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had last visited the Vatican and met the then Pope John Paul II. India and The Holy See have friendly relations dating back to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. India is home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia.
Mr Modi also interacted with various leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Mr Modi and French President Macron held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit. The two leaders had productive discussions. Prime Minister’s Office said, India and France are cooperating extensively in various sectors and today’s talks will add momentum to the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Mr Modi also held a bilateral meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong. Prime Minister’s Office said, the two leaders reviewed the full range of the friendly ties between India and Singapore.