NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday briefly stole the spotlight at the G20 Summit sidelines in Johannesburg after a light-hearted exchange with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders were seen laughing, shaking hands and exchanging warm greetings in a candid, effortless moment.
The prime minister was also seen sharing warm hugs with several world leaders, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the G20 Summit.PM Modi arrived at the summit venue on Saturday, a day after receiving a vibrant and enthusiastic welcome upon landing in Johannesburg. At the airport on Friday, a cultural troupe greeted him with traditional performances and bowed to him as a mark of respect, signalling a warm start to India’s participation at the high-level gathering.Later, members of the Indian diaspora accorded the Prime Minister a colourful reception, showcasing folk dances from 11 Indian states in a programme titled “Rhythms of a United India.” Performers represented Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Rajasthan.PM Modi praised the effort in a post on X, stating, “India’s vibrant cultural diversity on display in South Africa! Members of the Indian community took the lead in showcasing folk dances from 11 states of India during a short cultural programme aptly titled ‘Rhythms of a United India.’ It is commendable how the Indian community has remained connected with its roots.”The visit marks Modi’s fourth official trip to South Africa, following his earlier engagements for the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023 and a bilateral visit in 2016, underlining the deepening relationship between the two nations.PM Modi is in South Africa from November 21 to 23 to participate in the G20 Summit 2025.
