PM Modi Shares Light Moment With Italian PM Meloni on G20 Sidelines in Johannesburg

Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg after a cheerful and candid interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders were seen laughing, shaking hands, and exchanging warm greetings, creating a light moment amid the high-level diplomatic engagements.

PM Modi was also spotted greeting several other global leaders warmly, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, with whom he shared a friendly embrace.

The Prime Minister arrived in Johannesburg on Saturday, following a vibrant reception on Friday as he landed in the city. At the airport, he was welcomed with traditional South African performances by a cultural troupe, marking the beginning of his participation in the G20 Summit.

Members of the Indian diaspora later hosted a colourful cultural programme titled “Rhythms of a United India,” featuring folk dances representing 11 Indian states—Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan.

PM Modi praised the efforts in a post on X, noting the diaspora’s strong connection to Indian roots and culture.

This marks PM Modi’s fourth official visit to South Africa, following earlier trips for the BRICS Summits in 2016, 2018, and 2023. He is in South Africa from November 21 to 23 to attend the G20 Summit 2025, highlighting India’s deepening diplomatic and cultural ties with the nation.