Netizens, African Voices Heap Praise On PM Modi For India’s Strong Support At G20 South Africa

Last Updated:November 23, 2025, 20:48 IST

Phumzile Van Damme and others praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his warmth at the G20 in Johannesburg, highlighting India’s grace, support for Africa.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Johannesburg Expo Centre for the G20 Leaders' Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Tech consultant and former South African MP Phumzile Van Damme shared a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with South African artists who performed a traditional welcome dance at the airport on his arrival. She said no one seemed to be having more fun than the Indian Prime Minister, noting the easy rapport he built with the performers who came to greet him.

Van Damme was not the only one to highlight how PM Modi and his team impressed leaders gathered in Johannesburg with what many described as their “grace" and “kindness".

“Have to say I’m so impressed with how supportive and gracious India has been towards South Africa and the continent throughout the G20. So much love for India," wrote South African environmentalist Ulrich Janse van Vuuren.

India has long been praised by African nations for pushing to induct the African Union into the G20 during its 2023 presidency, a move that is still credited with reshaping how the grouping engages with the Global South.

Jumanne Mtambalike, founding member of the Tanzania StartUp Association, also posted a photo of Modi interacting with G20 chair and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, writing: “We are living in very interesting times. The world is changing and we are witnessing it."

The G20 summit in Johannesburg had been overshadowed by uncertainty after the United States announced it would not attend. The decision came after President Donald Trump voiced his displeasure over what he referred to as the alleged “genocide of White South Africans", prompting Washington to pull out of the meeting even as other countries proceeded with full participation.

There were also questions over how the handover ceremony would unfold after Ramaphosa remarked that he might have to pass the baton to an empty chair. The United States is set to host the G20 Summit next year and has already assumed the role of rotating chair of the bloc.

However, Washington later clarified that envoys from the American embassy would be present for the handover. The ceremony traditionally involves an in-person exchange between leaders, symbolising cooperation and a formal passing of responsibility to the next chair.

Twice winner of the African Journalist of the Year award, Hopewell Chin’ono, reposted PM Modi’s G20 highlights and said India is a country that “invests in excellence".

“The Indian Prime Minister’s media team is top drawer, and India consistently shows what professional, disciplined and strategic communication looks like. It is a reminder that when a country invests in excellence, even in something as simple as media presentation, it shapes how the world perceives it," Chin’ono wrote on X.

News world Netizens, African Voices Heap Praise On PM Modi For India’s Strong Support At G20 South Africa

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