During the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa for a leaders’ meeting of IBSA, reaffirming the enduring partnership among the three nations. IBSA, which stands for India, Brazil, and South Africa, is a unique trilateral forum that symbolizes the collective voice and aspirations of the Global South. Unlike conventional international groupings, IBSA brings together three large democratic nations spanning three continents, representing major emerging economies with significant global influence.

The leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, sustainable development, and social welfare, emphasizing the need for a multipolar world order where developing nations have greater representation in global decision-making. The forum also reflects shared values of democracy, inclusivity, and equitable growth, serving as a platform to address challenges such as poverty, climate change, and economic inequality.

By leveraging the strengths of India, Brazil, and South Africa, IBSA seeks to create synergies that promote economic resilience, regional stability, and cultural exchange. Modi, Lula, and Ramaphosa’s meeting underscored the importance of South-South cooperation and highlighted IBSA’s continued relevance in shaping international dialogue and advancing the collective interests of the Global South.