South African President Cyril Ramaphosa lightened the mood during delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, quipping that India should have warned Pretoria about the difficulties of organising the G20 Summit. South Africa is hosting the first G20 Summit to be held on African soil.
Ramaphosa thanks India, recalls India’s 2023 G20 presidency
In his opening remarks, President Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for India’s support as South Africa prepares and hosts the global leaders’ gathering. With a laugh, he remarked, “You should have told us that it is such a difficult task, maybe we would have run away.” The comment drew smiles and laughter from PM Modi and officials present in the room.
Ramaphosa added that South Africa had “learnt a lot” from India’s approach to hosting the G20 during its 2023 presidency. He called India’s edition “spectacular”, noting that while South Africa’s arrangements are on a smaller scale, the effort has been deeply informed by India’s experience.
PM Modi’s response: ‘Small is always beautiful’
Responding warmly, PM Modi said, “Small is always beautiful,” acknowledging both South Africa’s efforts and the significance of the continent hosting the summit for the first time.
India had hosted the 18th G20 Summit in September 2023 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, a venue unveiled ahead of the event. India’s presidency was marked by the induction of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.
India’s 2023 G20 brought global processes together
The 2023 summit in New Delhi had been the culmination of year-long ministerial meetings, working group sessions, and civil society engagement across the G20 framework. South Africa’s summit this year continues that momentum, marking a historic milestone for the African continent.