G20 Moment: South African President Ramaphosa Welcomes PM Modi With A 'Namaste'

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a “namaste” as the Indian leader arrived at the G20 summit venue in Johannesburg, displaying the warmth in ties between the two countries.

PM Modi reached the Johannesburg Expo Centre to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit under South Africa’s presidency, where he was received by Cyril Ramaphosa. India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared visuals of the welcome on X (formerly Twitter), writing that the two nations were “working together for an inclusive, just and sustainable world” as the Prime Minister arrived for the deliberations.

Working together for an inclusive, just and sustainable world.

PM @narendramodi arrives at the Johannesburg

Expo Centre to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, under the presidency of South Africa.

Warmly received by President Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa. pic.twitter.com/poQ8Wk3ASn

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 22, 2025

The three-day G20 Leaders’ Summit 2025 began in South Africa, marking the first time the gathering is being hosted on the African continent. This year’s theme is “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” reflecting Pretoria’s emphasis on equity, climate justice and inclusive development.

South Africa has identified several key priorities for its presidency, including strengthening disaster resilience in the wake of increasingly frequent climate-related crises, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income and vulnerable countries, mobilising finance for a just energy transition and harnessing critical minerals to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.