PM Modi Holds Bilateral Meeting With South African President Cyril Ramaphosa At G-20 Summit

Last Updated:November 23, 2025, 14:59 IST

Addressing the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting on Saturday, Modi called for a profound rethink of global development parameters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa upon his arrival to attend the G20 Summit, in Johannesburg, South Africa. (X/PTI)

PM Narendra Modi on Sunday held a bilateral meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit. President Ramaphosa assured South Africa’s full support to India’s upcoming Chairship of BRICS in 2026.

The leaders agreed to work jointly to amplify the voice of the Global South. PM Modi appreciated the initiative taken by South Africa to hold IBSA leaders meeting, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

PM Modi thanked President Ramaphosa for the warm hospitality and successful conduct of the Summit and appreciated South African G20 efforts to take forward and build on decisions arrived during the New Delhi G20 Summit. Recalling the historical ties that underpin India-South Africa ties, both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields of cooperation, including trade and investment, food security, skill development, mining, youth exchange and people-to- people ties. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of AI, Digital Public Infrastructure and critical minerals. The leaders welcomed the growing presence of Indian firms in South Africa and agreed to facilitate mutual investments, especially in infrastructure, technology, innovation, mining and start-up sectors. Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for South African cheetah relocation to India and invited him to join the Big Cat Alliance led by India, said the statement.

Addressing the opening session of the G20 Leaders’ Meeting on Saturday, Modi called for a profound rethink of global development parameters and proposed the establishment of a G20 initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus and a global healthcare response team. PM Modi emphasised that major global challenges can be effectively addressed through strong international cooperation. During the session titled ‘A Resilient World – the G20’s Contribution to Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems’, PM Modi reiterated that India is committed to building a future that is human-centric, sustainable and inclusive. He noted that India’s developmental approach aligns with the broader global objective of strengthening resilience against emerging risks.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The second session at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg focused on building a resilient world in the face of disasters, climate change and ensuring energy transitions that are just as well as robust food systems. India has been actively working on all these fronts, building a future that is human-centric and inclusive."

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a namaste as the Indian leader arrived at the summit venue.

Modi meets world leaders

PM Modi on Saturday met British counterpart Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and several other world leaders on the sidelines of the G20 Summit here and discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interests.

“It was wonderful meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Johannesburg. This year has brought new energy to the India–UK partnership and we will keep driving it forward across many domains," Modi said in a post on X.

Modi said he had a “great exchange of views" with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and added that the two countries will continue to work together “to diversify bilateral cooperation".

He said he was “delighted" to meet President Macron, with whom he “had an engaging exchange on different issues. India–France ties remain a force for global good!" Modi said in another post on X.

After his meeting with the Brazilian president, Modi said, “India and Brazil will continue to work closely to boost trade and cultural linkages for the benefit of our people." The prime minister said he had a “very productive" conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit hosted by South Africa.

Before the main session of the Summit, PM Modi also interacted with many other leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Sharing a ‘Family Photo’ with fellow G20 leaders at the Johannesburg Summit, Modi said in a post on X: “Together, we reaffirm our shared commitment to global progress and prosperity." Modi also met Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço and said he had the honour of welcoming him to Delhi earlier this year.

The prime minister also met his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong. “The India-Singapore partnership remains a key driver of growth and stability," he said. Modi met his Vietnamese counterpart Phạm Minh Chính. “Our commitment to a stronger, future-oriented friendship between India and Vietnam remains steadfast," he posted on X. The prime minister also had a “wonderful" meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. “India’s ties with Germany are robust, especially in areas such as trade, technology, innovation and more," he said. He also interacted with Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Modi also met Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia during the G20 Summit. “India and Ethiopia share a partnership rooted in history and strengthened by developmental cooperation. We will keep boosting ties in sectors like technology, skilling and more," he said. The prime minister also interacted with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio. “Together, our nations continue to strengthen a bilateral relationship that is people-focused, future-ready and rooted in enduring trust," he posted on X.

Modi also met World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and said, “As always, a delight to meet Tulsi Bhai. India will always contribute towards building a healthier planet."

The three-day-long G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 began in South Africa on Friday. This year’s gathering carries special significance as it is the first time the Summit is being hosted on the African continent. The theme for the summit is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability."

With Agency Inputs

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