Ramaphosa’s Light-Hearted Moment With PM Modi at G20: “You Should Have Told Us!”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a warm and humorous exchange during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The moment, captured during delegation-level talks, offered a refreshing glimpse into the friendly rapport between the two leaders at a time when global diplomacy is often marked by tension.
South Africa, which hosted the first-ever G20 Summit to be held on the African continent, officially brought the event to a close on Sunday. As Ramaphosa passed the G20 presidency baton to the United States, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the immense challenge his country had taken on.
A Joke That Broke the Room
During their discussions, Ramaphosa thanked India for its continuous support ahead of the mega event. In a light moment that drew laughter across the room, he said:
“Thank you for the support that India has given to South Africa in hosting G20… You should have told us that it is such a difficult task, maybe we would have run away.”
The remark, delivered with a giggle, immediately sparked smiles from PM Modi and everyone present. The comment not only showcased the camaraderie between the two leaders but also offered a relatable look into the behind-the-scenes pressure of hosting a global summit.
What South Africa Learned From India’s G20 Presidency
Ramaphosa went on to acknowledge that South Africa had much to learn from India’s successful G20 presidency in 2023. India had hosted the summit at the newly inaugurated Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, a moment widely celebrated for the nation’s ability to bring world leaders together against a backdrop of global uncertainty.
“We have learned a lot from your hosting of the G20… and yours was spectacular. Ours is really small,” Ramaphosa admitted candidly.
PM Modi responded without missing a beat, saying, “Small is always beautiful,” reinforcing the idea that the size or scale of a summit does not determine its success or impact.
A Deepening Strategic Partnership
While the light moment between the two leaders stole the spotlight, their meeting covered a wide range of serious and strategic conversations. India and South Africa continue to expand cooperation across multiple areas, reflecting a long-standing relationship built on shared priorities and global south solidarity.
Key Areas of Discussion Included:
Trade and Investment
Both leaders emphasized boosting bilateral trade and strengthening economic partnerships. India remains an important trading partner for South Africa, with growing interest in expanding sectors like manufacturing, services, and infrastructure.
Mining and Critical Minerals
With the world shifting toward renewable energy and advanced technologies, the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths has surged. South Africa, with its mineral-rich reserves, plays a key role in global supply chains. India is looking to deepen engagement to ensure secure and sustainable access.
Artificial Intelligence
As emerging technologies reshape global economies, India and South Africa have agreed to enhance cooperation in AI-driven innovation, skill development, and digital governance.
Food Security
Both countries have faced global supply chain disruptions in recent years. Strengthening agricultural partnerships, improving food storage practices, and sharing technology were high on the agenda.
India’s Support Recognized
Throughout the summit, South Africa acknowledged India’s consistent support not only for the G20 but also for broader initiatives. The partnership stood out especially during India’s 2023 presidency, where the African Union was formally inducted as a permanent G20 member—an achievement many African nations attribute, in part, to India’s diplomatic backing.
Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s full support for India’s upcoming BRICS chairship in 2026, signaling continued trust and alignment between the two nations.
A Note on Wildlife and Conservation Diplomacy
Beyond economics and technology, the leaders also touched upon a unique collaboration: the relocation of cheetahs from South Africa to India as part of Project Cheetah. The initiative aims to reintroduce the species to Indian forests after more than 70 years. PM Modi expressed gratitude for South Africa’s role in the effort and invited Ramaphosa to join the International Big Cat Alliance, an India-led global platform focused on conservation.
PM Modi’s Message After the Meeting
Following the meeting, PM Modi took to platform X, sharing:
“Had an excellent meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.”
He noted that the two leaders reviewed the full range of India–South Africa ties, especially in areas such as:
- Commerce
- Investment
- Culture
- Technology collaboration
- Critical minerals
- Artificial intelligence
- Skilling
He also congratulated Ramaphosa for South Africa’s successful G20 presidency, marking a significant moment for the African continent on the global diplomatic stage.
Why This Moment Matters
The friendly exchange between Modi and Ramaphosa may appear light-hearted, but it highlights the growing warmth and mutual respect between India and South Africa. At a time when the world faces economic pressures, climate concerns, and geopolitical fractures, such interactions reflect how leadership anchored in trust and humor can strengthen alliances.
The Johannesburg G20 Summit also symbolized a broader shift—the rise of the Global South. With the African Union now a permanent G20 member and India preparing for a future BRICS leadership role, the summit marked a turning point for emerging economies seeking a stronger voice on global platforms.
Conclusion
Cyril Ramaphosa’s humorous remark to PM Modi offered a refreshing glimpse into the human side of international diplomacy. Behind the scenes of grand summits, world leaders navigate pressure, planning, and endless coordination. Yet, moments like these remind us that diplomacy is also about relationships, empathy, and sometimes a shared laugh.
As India and South Africa continue to build on decades of cooperation, their partnership appears set to grow even stronger—across trade, technology, climate action, conservation, and global governance.
