PM Modi’s Charm Offensive At G20 Summit Begins With Warm Interaction With PM Meloni
PM Modi shares relaxed conversation and laughter with PM Meloni at the G20 Summit, signalling diplomatic warmth and India’s onset.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg on November 21, 2025, to attend the G20 Summit, marking his fourth official visit to South Africa and highlighting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The three-day visit, concluding on November 23, follows Modi’s previous trips for the 2016 bilateral state visit and BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023. Upon landing, he received a warm welcome featuring traditional South African cultural performances, with performers offering respectful bows in a gesture of goodwill that underscored the friendly bilateral atmosphere.
The Indian diaspora in South Africa organized a vibrant reception titled “Rhythms of a United India,” featuring folk dances from 11 Indian states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. The colorful showcase celebrated India’s cultural diversity and the diaspora’s enduring ties to their homeland. Modi later praised the community on X, noting, “India’s vibrant cultural diversity on display in South Africa! Members of the Indian community took the lead in showcasing folk dances from 11 states of India during a short cultural programme aptly titled ‘Rhythms of a United India.’ It is commendable how the Indian community has remained connected with its roots.”
On the second day of the summit, Modi engaged in a series of informal yet highly visible interactions with world leaders, earning praise for his approachable diplomatic style. A widely shared moment showed him sharing laughter and warm handshakes with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while he exchanged hearty hugs with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. These lighthearted exchanges on the sidelines of formal sessions highlighted the personal rapport that often complements official negotiations at global forums.
Also Read: Labour Reforms or Retrenchment Risk? Congress Flags Longer Hours, Higher Approval Ceiling
The Johannesburg G20 Summit provides a crucial platform for addressing pressing issues such as economic recovery, climate action, and sustainable development, with India continuing to advocate for the priorities of the Global South. Modi’s visit combines cultural outreach with substantive diplomacy, reinforcing bilateral ties with South Africa and strengthening India’s voice in multilateral discussions as the summit continues through November 23
Also Read: PM Modi Calls for Unified Global Action on Fentanyl and Terror Financing at G20
