South Africans Praise PM Modi For His Support & Leadership At G20 Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the recent G20 Summit in Johannesburg drew notable admiration from people across South Africa.

Residents expressed deep appreciation for his leadership and thanked India for strongly supporting South Africa during its G20 presidency.

Many took to the social media platform X to praise the Prime Minister, with several users referring to him as the ‘MVP of the Summit’.

This was PM Modi’s twelfth G20 summit since assuming office in 2014—a fact that several users highlighted while acknowledging India’s influential role on the global stage.

Ulrich Janse van Vuuren, a South African user on X, wrote: “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!”

Another user, Makhosazana Jwane-Siguga, commented: “I’ve fallen for Modi. Big time. His energy is just so energising. He takes us seriously. ”

Warm Welcome from President Ramaphosa

During the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa warmly welcomed PM Modi in Johannesburg, reinforcing the strong and historic ties shared by the two nations.

Many South Africans echoed this sentiment online.

User Molatelo Racheku remarked: “Prime Minister Modi is the official influencer of the #G20SouthAfrica Summit. He has been feeding the timeline with proper content throughout his stay here. I love to see this. He’s also been striking deals with countries, he’s on a mission. #G20.”

Several users thanked PM Modi for sharing key updates and essential details about the summit.

Tokoloho Moletsane expressed gratitude to Modi and his digital team, writing: “Malume Modi, we want to thank you and your media/social media team. You kept all of us updated on #G20SouthAfrica and the people of India must appreciate you. We are witnesses that you definately put in the work for the entire population. Thank you for supporting South Africa.”

‘Malume’, meaning ‘uncle’ in Sesotho and used widely in South Africa, is a term of respect and affection. It signifies cultural warmth, seniority and familiarity, and its use for PM Modi reflects the cordial sentiment among many South Africans.

Engagement With Global Leaders Draws Interest

PM Modi’s bilateral meetings also attracted significant attention.

During the summit, he held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, among others.

His updates on these engagements were widely shared, with many South Africans responding positively to India’s active global diplomacy.

Tim Modise, a South African user, wrote: “The biggest democracy in the world will be attending the G20 representing the interests of more than 1.4 billion people. South Africa welcomes India and welcomes your constructive engagement with the rest of the world.”

Another user added: “You are home when you are here, the 2nd biggest Indian population outside India is in #SA. Your support for #SA is a support for #INDIA.”

The vibrant online response highlighted the growing goodwill between the people of India and South Africa, reflecting a deepening partnership shaped by shared history, cultural ties and expanding global cooperation.

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