New Delhi, 24 November 2025 – In post-G20 summit discussions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded South African President Cyril Modi Ramaphosa for hosting an inclusive summit that highlighted the priorities of the Global South. The talks also emphasized the need for United Nations reforms, equitable trade, and technological collaboration, further strengthening the strategic partnership between India and South Africa.
What Happened at the G20 Summit
The 2025 G20 summit, held in Johannesburg, focused on economic equity, sustainable development, and technological innovation. Leaders of the world’s 20 major economies convened to discuss global economic challenges, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the concerns of developing nations were prioritized.
Prime Minister Modi praised Ramaphosa’s efforts to ensure that the Global South’s voice was heard in policy discussions. He highlighted that inclusive leadership at the G20 is critical for creating a fair and sustainable global economic order.
The summit agenda included topics like climate finance, equitable trade policies, digital economy development, and pandemic recovery, placing developing countries at the forefront of global discussions.
Official Statements
In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi said:
“President Ramaphosa’s leadership at this G20 summit has amplified the voices of the Global South and reinforced the importance of inclusive growth. India remains committed to strengthening cooperation with South Africa in trade, technology, and sustainable development.”
President Ramaphosa responded:
“Collaborating with India ensures that developing nations’ priorities are addressed on the global stage. The summit’s outcomes reflect our shared commitment to equity, innovation, and progress.”
These remarks underline both leaders’ commitment to global equity and multilateral cooperation. The statements were widely circulated on international media and social platforms, reinforcing India’s role in advocating for Global South interests.
Focus on UN Reforms
A key discussion point during the post-summit talks was the reform of the United Nations. Modi reiterated India’s longstanding call for expansion of the UN Security Council to include greater representation from developing nations.
Ramaphosa expressed support for these reforms, highlighting the need for a modernized UN structure that reflects current geopolitical and economic realities. Both leaders stressed that inclusive global governance is essential for addressing global crises like climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality.
This joint emphasis on UN reform signals a coordinated effort by India and South Africa to strengthen the position of the Global South in shaping international policy.
Strengthening India-South Africa Ties
Beyond global governance, Modi and Ramaphosa discussed initiatives to enhance bilateral trade, technology cooperation, and innovation partnerships. Areas of focus included:
- Renewable energy projects to combat climate change.
- IT and digital technology collaborations to foster innovation.
- Joint investment ventures to boost economic growth.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fast-tracking bilateral agreements that will deepen cooperation across sectors, from technology to infrastructure. Analysts note that these discussions mark a new chapter in India-SA relations, positioning both nations as leaders in advancing Global South economic and technological agendas.
Public and Media Reaction
The summit and post-summit remarks quickly gained traction on social media platforms, trending under hashtags such as #G20Summit, #GlobalSouth, and #IndiaSA.
Political analysts highlighted that Modi’s praise for Ramaphosa reflects India’s foreign policy focus on Africa and the broader Global South engagement strategy. News agencies emphasized that the summit outcomes represent a milestone in equitable global governance, with India and South Africa at the forefront of shaping policy discussions.
International media coverage underscored the summit as a turning point for Global South advocacy, with Modi and Ramaphosa’s collaborative approach seen as a model for inclusive leadership in multilateral forums.
What Happens Next
Moving forward, India and South Africa plan to strengthen multilateral engagement, particularly in the fields of trade, technology, and sustainable development.
Bilateral summits and ministerial meetings are expected in early 2026 to translate discussions into actionable agreements. Both leaders stressed that continued dialogue on UN reforms is essential to ensure the Global South maintains a strong voice in global policymaking.
The partnership between the two nations is likely to drive initiatives that foster inclusive economic growth, technological innovation, and sustainable development, setting an example for other emerging economies.
