PM Modi interacts with Biden, other world leaders on G20 Summit sidelines

Rio De Janeiro/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with the outgoing United States President Joe Biden and several world leaders, including from Brazil, Singapore and Spain, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here.

Modi tweeted pictures of his brief chat with Biden on the sidelines of the G20 summit at Rio de Janeiro on Monday, claiming it was a 'delight' to meet him.

“With @POTUS Joe Biden at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Always a delight to meet him,” Modi posted on X, along with a picture of him with the US president at the venue of the G20 summit being hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Biden will leave the Oval Office at White House on January 20 next year the day Donald Trump will take over as the US president.

Modi last met Biden at his residence in Wilmington, Delaware in the US on September 21.

Earlier, PM Modi was warmly received by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is hosting the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

"Looking forward to the proceedings at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Thankful to President Lula for the warm welcome," Modi said in a post on X.

Modi, who arrived here after concluding a two-day trip to Nigeria, also met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the margins of the summit.

He also had a wonderful interaction with his Singapore counterpart Lawrence Wong.

"A wonderful interaction with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro," Modi posted on X.

The Prime Minister also met Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, who travelled to India on an official visit last month.

"From Vadodara to Rio, the interactions continue! A lovely interaction with the President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sánchez," Modi posted on X.

In an address on the first day of the G20 Summit on Monday, Modi said the countries of the Global South are most adversely impacted by the food, fuel and fertilizer crisis caused by global conflicts, and G20 must focus on addressing the challenges.

The leaders of the influential grouping are expected to deliberate on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza.

(With PTI inputs)