Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s candid conversation with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni captured attention at the G20 Summit sidelines in Johannesburg. The Indian Prime Minister also shared warm embraces with other world leaders, including Brazil’s President Lula da Silva. Modi’s arrival was marked by a vibrant cultural welcome from a troupe and the Indian diaspora. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday briefly stole the spotlight at the G20 Summit sidelines in Johannesburg after a light-hearted exchange with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders were seen laughing, shaking hands and exchanging warm greetings in a candid, effortless moment.PM Modi, Italian PM Meloni candid conversation steals spotlight at G20 Summit 2025The prime minister was also seen sharing warm hugs with several world leaders, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the G20 Summit.PM Modi arrived at the summit venue on Saturday, a day after receiving a vibrant and enthusiastic welcome upon landing in Johannesburg.At the airport on Friday, a cultural troupe greeted him with traditional performances and bowed to him as a mark of respect, signalling a warm start to India’s participation at the high-level gathering.Later, members of the Indian diaspora accorded the Prime Minister a colourful reception, showcasing folk dances from 11 Indian states in a programme titled “Rhythms of a United India.” Performers represented Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Rajasthan.PM Modi praised the effort in a post on X, stating, “India’s vibrant cultural diversity on display in South Africa! Members of the Indian community took the lead in showcasing folk dances from 11 states of India during a short cultural programme aptly titled ‘Rhythms of a United India.’ It is commendable how the Indian community has remained connected with its roots.”The visit marks Modi’s fourth official trip to South Africa, following his earlier engagements for the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023 and a bilateral visit in 2016, underlining the deepening relationship between the two nations.PM Modi is in South Africa from November 21 to 23 to participate in the G20 Summit 2025.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. 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The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Warns Civilisations Will Fade But Hindus Endure While Calling For UnityIndia Urges Stronger Global Action At UN As Navy’s 520 Rescues Spotlight Arabian Sea InstabilityAt Indo-Pacific Forum, Pakistan Claims India Endangering Peace With War Rhetoric, IWT SuspensionBravery In The Sky: The Story Of Namansh Syal, Tejas Pilot Who Died During The Dubai Airshow DisplayAustralian PM Condoles Red Fort Attack, Saudi Bus Tragedy As He Meets PM Modi During G20 SummitTejas Crash: IAF Pilot Killed In Dubai Crash Identified As Wing Commander Namansh SyalDefence Experts Break Down Possible Causes Behind Tejas Fighter Jet Crash In DubaiPM Modi Gets Rousing Welcome From Indian Diaspora In Johannesburg Ahead Of G20 Summit | South Africa’‘I Am A Hindu’: Shashi Tharoor Evokes Swami Vivekananda To Tell The World What Hinduism Stands ForAmit Shah Says BSF Crushed 118 Pak Posts, He Issues Tough Security Message From Sindoor Van In Kutch123Photostories9 gorgeous white animals that reflect nature’s elegance9 regional chicken dishes from across IndiaActor who lost 10 films overnight after a set accident with Amitabh Bachchan, went jobless for 6 years, is now…How Bengaluru’s Vande Bharat Sleeper Rake Aims to Transform Long-Distance TravelSmriti Mandhana’s relationship timeline: From the meet-cute to the grand proposalAlia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s top 5 parenting tipsHow Maharashtra’s upcoming pod taxis aim to fix daily commuter painHow to keep avocados fresh for a week: 5 ways that actually work5 common ways dogs show love that most humans misreadVikrant Massey transforms from small-screen charm to big-screen powerhouse with calm conviction and commanding presence123Hot PicksDelhi AQI TodayBihar Minister List 2025Bihar CM Oath CeremonyGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingPortland Trail Blazers vs Golden State WarriorsSavannah JamesMiami Heat vs Chicago BullsSophie CunninghamHow to get Vecna Skin in FortniteAdam FootePM ModiLebron JamesNBA CupCade Cunningham
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday briefly stole the spotlight at the G20 Summit sidelines in Johannesburg after a light-hearted exchange with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders were seen laughing, shaking hands and exchanging warm greetings in a candid, effortless moment.
The prime minister was also seen sharing warm hugs with several world leaders, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the G20 Summit.PM Modi arrived at the summit venue on Saturday, a day after receiving a vibrant and enthusiastic welcome upon landing in Johannesburg.At the airport on Friday, a cultural troupe greeted him with traditional performances and bowed to him as a mark of respect, signalling a warm start to India’s participation at the high-level gathering.Later, members of the Indian diaspora accorded the Prime Minister a colourful reception, showcasing folk dances from 11 Indian states in a programme titled “Rhythms of a United India.” Performers represented Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Rajasthan.PM Modi praised the effort in a post on X, stating, “India’s vibrant cultural diversity on display in South Africa! Members of the Indian community took the lead in showcasing folk dances from 11 states of India during a short cultural programme aptly titled ‘Rhythms of a United India.’ It is commendable how the Indian community has remained connected with its roots.”The visit marks Modi’s fourth official trip to South Africa, following his earlier engagements for the BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023 and a bilateral visit in 2016, underlining the deepening relationship between the two nations.PM Modi is in South Africa from November 21 to 23 to participate in the G20 Summit 2025.