PM Modi holds bilateral meeting with South African President Ramaphosa on G20 sidelines in Johannesburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Sunday, continuing India’s extensive diplomatic assistance during the gathering of world leaders.

The G20 Leaders Summit 2025, held for the first time on African soil, started on Friday. The theme of this year’s summit is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.

A day earlier, at the opening session of the G20 Leaders Meeting, Prime Minister Modi urged member countries to re-evaluate their global development frameworks and suggested launching a G20 initiative to counter the drug terrorism nexus along with the creation of a global health response team. In his speech, he underlined that important global problems require coordinated international efforts.

In the session titled ‘A Resilient World – G20’s Contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction’; Climate Change; Equitable Energy Transitions; PM Modi from Food Systems reiterated India’s focus on a people-centred, sustainable and inclusive development path. He noted that India’s approach is closely aligned with global efforts to strengthen resilience to emerging challenges.

Sharing his thoughts on

On his arrival at the summit venue on Saturday, President Ramaphosa warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi with a ‘namaste’ symbolizing the close ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi also met several world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and others.

After his meeting with the British Prime Minister, PM Modi wrote about X: “It was great to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Johannesburg. This year has brought new energy to the India-UK partnership and we will continue to take it forward in many areas.”

He said he had a “great exchange of views” with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and noted that the two nations aim “to diversify bilateral cooperation.” Prime Minister Modi added that he was “delighted” to meet President Macron and explained that they had “an interesting exchange of views on different issues.” India-France ties continue to be a force for global good!

His interaction with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, their second meeting this year, was described by Prime Minister Modi as “indicative of the strong momentum in our Special Strategic Partnership”. Both sides discussed ways to further expand economic and investment cooperation.

After meeting the Brazilian President, Prime Minister Modi said, “India and Brazil will continue to work closely to increase trade and cultural ties for the benefit of our people.” he said.

A “very productive” meeting also took place with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Prime Minister Modi also interacted with many other leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, ahead of the G20 main session.

Sharing a ‘Family Photo’ from the summit, PM Modi said on X: “Together, we reaffirm our common resolve towards global progress and prosperity.”

In another meeting, PM Modi met Angolan President João Manuel Goncalves Lourenco and recalled welcoming him in Delhi earlier this year. “India values ​​friendship with Angola and our nations work closely to increase trade and cultural ties,” he said.

Other meetings included talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. “The India Singapore partnership remains a key driver of growth and stability,” he wrote. He also met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, confirming that “our commitment to a stronger, future-oriented friendship between India and Vietnam remains unwavering.”

Describing his meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as “wonderful”, Prime Minister Modi underlined the strong partnership between India and Germany, especially in the fields of technology, innovation and trade.

He also met with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and later met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. “India and Ethiopia share a partnership rooted in history and strengthened by development collaboration. We will continue to strengthen ties across sectors such as technology, skills and more,” he said.

Another meeting included a meeting with Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, where Prime Minister Modi described the bilateral relationship as “people-oriented, future-proof and based on enduring trust”.

(This story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from ANI)