South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Jokes With PM Modi On G20 Hosting Challenges
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that hosting the G20 was far more difficult than expected, joking that India should have warned them earlier. The comment came during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Johannesburg summit, where Ramaphosa thanked India for its guidance and experience.
India’s Role Highlighted
Ramaphosa praised India’s successful hosting of the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023, noting that South Africa learned important lessons from India’s large-scale planning and management. Comparing the two countries’ venue capacities, he said South Africa’s arrangements were “really small,” prompting Modi to reply that “small is always beautiful.”
Challenges Faced By South Africa
As the first African nation to host a G20 Summit, South Africa is managing extensive logistical, security and diplomatic requirements. The president’s remarks highlighted the pressure on emerging economies to meet global expectations while ensuring smooth coordination and infrastructure.
Broader Significance For Global South
The friendly exchange also signalled deeper cooperation between India and South Africa within the Global South. Both countries have emphasised the importance of shared learning and supporting developing nations’ greater participation in global governance platforms.
