PM Modi Arrives in South Africa for Historic G20 Summit on African Soil

By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu

PM Modi Arrives in South Africa for Historic G20 Summit on African Soil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Johannesburg on Friday for the 2025 G20 Summit, a major global meeting taking place in Africa for the first time.

His arrival comes at a time when world politics is tense, especially with U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping absent from the gathering.

Modi was warmly received at Waterkloof Air Force Base with traditional performances before beginning his schedule of meetings and events.

Shortly after landing, Modi shared that he looked forward to discussions with world leaders on development, cooperation and global challenges.

This year’s summit is especially important because the African Union is now a permanent member of the G20, a move that began during India’s 2023 presidency.

Modi is expected to hold several bilateral talks, attend the IBSA Summit with Brazil and South Africa, and present India’s views under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

During the summit, Modi will participate in three major sessions covering issues such as global economic growth, debt, climate change, disaster management, energy transition, food security, artificial intelligence and critical minerals.

He also expressed excitement about meeting the large Indian community living in South Africa.

The host country, South Africa, is driving the summit’s theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” building on the outcomes of previous summits in New Delhi and Rio de Janeiro.