PM Modi Arrives in South Africa for G20 Summit
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Johannesburg
- Nov 21, 2025
- 564
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in South Africa on Thursday for a three-day official visit to attend the 20th G20 Summit being held under the presidency of South Africa. Modi received a red-carpet welcome at Johannesburg Airport, where local artists staged a traditional cultural performance—including one segment in which performers lay on the ground as part of the ceremonial greeting.
Upon arrival at his hotel, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Indian-origin artists performing traditional dance sequences, accompanied by the chanting of Ganesh Vandana and the Shanti Mantra. Soon after, Modi met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Johannesburg, marking one of the first diplomatic engagements of the trip.
Focus on Three Key Sessions and Multilateral Engagements
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi will participate in three key sessions of the G20 Summit during his stay from November 21 to 23. Alongside the main proceedings, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from several participating nations.
Modi will also attend the IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) Summit, reaffirming the importance of trilateral cooperation among emerging economies of the Global South.
This is Modi’s fourth official visit to South Africa, following a bilateral trip in 2016 and participation in BRICS summits in 2018 and 2023.
First G20 Summit in Africa
Before departing India, the Prime Minister described the event as historic, stating:
“This summit will be special because it will be the first G20 summit held in Africa.”
He highlighted that the meeting reflects the increasing role of developing nations in shaping global policy, as seen during India’s G20 presidency in 2023, when the African Union joined the G20 as a permanent member.
The theme of the 2024 G20 Summit—“Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”—builds on the outcomes of recent summits in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro. Modi said he would reiterate India’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Family, One Future”, emphasizing collective responsibility amid global challenges.
He is also expected to interact with members of the Indian diaspora during the visit.
Trump Boycotts G20, Cites Human Rights Issues in South Africa
In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would not attend the summit, alleging human rights violations in South Africa and claiming that white farmers in the country are being oppressed. His statement, made on social media, initially suggested that no U.S. delegation would be sent.
However, the Biden administration later revised its decision.
White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt confirmed that Acting Ambassador Mark D. Dillard will attend, although only for the summit’s final session.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged receiving official notice of the change.
Responding to the controversy, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, downplayed the impact of Trump’s absence, stating that the G20 has evolved into a robust platform capable of functioning effectively even without the presence of any single member nation.
About the G20
The Group of Twenty comprises the world’s major advanced and emerging economies, collectively representing:
Formed in 1999 after the Asian financial crisis, the G20 initially served as a forum for finance ministers and central bank governors. Following the 2008 global financial crisis, participation expanded to include heads of government, making it a premier platform for global economic coordination.