Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Johannesburg during the G20 Leaders’ Summit was marked by important diplomatic meetings and productive business engagements, plus a warm interaction with a large Indian diaspora.
His visit underlined India’s continued focus on the Global South and the strengthening of a long-standing, strategic partnership with South Africa.
Apart from attending the G20 Summit, PM Modi’s engagements during his time in Johannesburg included the following:
- A Warm Welcome, Diaspora Focus: The PM received a ceremonial welcome at the airport with cultural events. His interaction with the 1.7 million-strong Indian diaspora during the entire visit was especially indicative of their strength as a “living bridge” between the nations and the role they play in consolidating people-to-people relations and the promotion of Indian culture.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome from the members of the Indian diaspora as he arrives at a hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. PM Modi will attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit.
(Video: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/MNJh2zVh1A
— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2025
2. This visit focused on the Global South agenda: The G20 Summit in Africa has been a first ever on the continent. PM Modi had put forth India’s view and contributed based on the vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which is the vision leading to the South African G20 theme, “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Johannesburg, South Africa, and recieved a warm welcome. The cultural performance troupe greeted him at the airport.
PM Modi will attend the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit here pic.twitter.com/9b5Yd7bqg9
— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2025
3. Strengthening Bilateral Ties with Australia: A meeting with the PM underlined the continuing salience of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in areas such as security, trade, and the supply of critical minerals.
Had a very good meeting with PM Albanese of Australia. This year, the strategic partnership between our nations completes 5 years and these years have witnessed transformative outcomes that have deepened our cooperation.
During our talks today, emphasised three key sectors,… pic.twitter.com/SjPixu4iek
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
4. Boosting Investment and Technology Cooperation: The discussions for the enhancement of investment and technology cooperation involved Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs and business leaders, including Naspers executives, and focused on ways to encourage greater investment and collaboration with the Indian youth, especially in high-growth sectors like FinTech, AI, and medical devices.
Had a fruitful interaction with Indian origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg. They talked about the work they are doing in sectors such as FinTech, social media platforms, agriculture, education, healthcare, medical devices and more. Called upon them to deepen their… pic.twitter.com/gRqwIxxxfC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
5. Symbolic Cultural Exchange: The symbolic offering with a Kalash containing Shree Anna grown in both India and South Africa to the Annapoorna Devi Temple in Durban emphasized the shared cultural and agricultural connection and promoted the importance of millets, called Shree Anna.
While interacting with the Indian community in South Africa, received a Kalash from the Chinmaya Mission, consisting of Shree Anna or millets from India as well as South Africa. This will be placed in the Annapoorna Devi Temple in Durban. pic.twitter.com/GSUSYG8CFQ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 21, 2025
PM Modi’s Previous Visits to South Africa
The G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Johannesburg marked the fourth official visit of PM Modi to South Africa. His previous official visits included
- A bilateral visit in 2016.
- Attended the BRICS summits of 2018.
- To attend the BRICS summit in 2023
India-South Africa Relationship
The relation between India and South Africa is deep-rooted, with a shared history, strong political coordination, and increasing economic collaboration.
The ties go back more than a century to the 21 years of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa between 1893 and 1914, where he evolved his philosophy of Satyagraha.
Also Read: AFCAT 1 2026 Registrations Open: Complete Guide to Dates, Criteria & Application
India was also a strong supporter of the anti-apartheid movement, being the first country to break trade relations with the apartheid regime in 1946 and one that regularly pressed for sanctions at the UN and other international fora. Formal diplomatic relations were resumed in 1993-1994 after the end of apartheid.
The relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership in 1997. Both countries are vibrant democracies and important members of the Global South and cooperate closely in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the IBSA Dialogue Forum (India, Brazil, and South Africa), established in 2003.
More than 1.7 million-strong diaspora binds the two countries through a ‘living bridge’ for maintaining historical ties and cultural reciprocity, including the promotion of yoga and Ayurveda.
Also Read: AI Video of Trump Playing Football With Ronaldo Sparks Massive Online Reaction | WATCH
