Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic outreach at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai showcased India’s commitment to global cooperation for sustainable development and climate action. Among the series of bilateral meetings, a notable encounter took place with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on December 1.
In a photo post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi, writing in Italian, expressed his anticipation for collaborative efforts between India and Italy. The caption stated, “Had the pleasure of meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy during the COP28 Summit. Excited about fostering collaboration between India and Italy for a sustainable and prosperous future.”
Giorgia Meloni reciprocated the sentiment, sharing a selfie with Prime Minister Modi, captioned, “Good friends at COP28. #Melodi,” showcasing the amicable relations B/W the two leaders.
Bilateral Meetings with Global Leaders:
Prime Minister Modi had a busy day at the Dubai Summit, engaging in crucial discussions with various world leaders. His engagements comprised discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Barbadian counterpart Mia Amor Mottley, French President Emmanuel Macron, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, & UK PM Rishi Sunak.
Acknowledging the importance of global collaboration in combating climate change, Modi also met with King Charles III, highlighting the monarch’s significant role in environmental conservation and sustainable development. “Today in Dubai, I engaged in a meaningful conversation with King Charles, a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation and sustainable development. His commitment makes him a significant voice in the global effort against climate change,” expressed the Indian PM on Twitter.
Furthermore, Modi interacted with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, engaging in discussions on a range of bilateral and global subjects. He conveyed, “Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam, covering diverse topics of mutual interest.”
World Climate Action Summit:
The primary focus of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Dubai was to participate in the World Climate Action Summit, a key segment of COP28 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Emphasizing the impact of climate change on countries in the Global South, Modi stressed the necessity of climate finance and technology for realizing the aspirations of these nations.
Despite their smaller contributions to climate change, Modi highlighted the disproportionate impact on countries like India. The Prime Minister’s visit was defined by fruitful engagements with global leaders and initiatives aimed at accelerating global climate action, as summarized by Arindam Bagchi, the MEA spokesperson.
As Modi returned to Delhi, the outcomes of his interactions at COP28 underlined India’s commitment to international collaboration in addressing climate challenges and advocating for sustainable development on the world stage.
