The Congress on Friday took a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his participation in the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, alleging that he is attending the meet “safely and securely” only because US President Donald Trump is boycotting the event.
Prime Minister Modi embarked on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend the G20 Summit and the IBSA Summit scheduled between November 21 and 23.
Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, also questioned how India–US relations would shape up in the coming year, noting that the next G20 Summit will take place in the United States.
Ramesh said that by the time the next Summit is held in America, “presumably India’s trade (or)deal with the US will be done”.
“But if in the past seven months President Trump has claimed 61 times that he halted Operation Sindoor, imagine how many more times he will repeat those claims in the next twelve months,” he remarked.
He further alleged that PM Modi skipped the India–ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur recently to avoid coming face-to-face with President Trump.
Calling it “extraordinary”, Ramesh criticised US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for opposing South Africa’s G20 themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability on grounds that they amount to “anti-Americanism”.
Ramesh also pointed out that G20 presidencies rotate annually — India handed over the presidency to Brazil in November 2024, and South Africa is now set to hand it over to the US, which is not attending the Johannesburg meeting.
He added: “Will huglomacy with ‘my good friend’ revive, will there just be handshakes, or will Mr. Modi not go at all — time alone will tell.”
PM Modi’s Stand
In his departure statement, PM Modi said he would present India’s views in line with the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future.
He noted that the Johannesburg Summit is “particularly special” as it is being held in Africa, and said he would also meet several world leaders on the margins of the event.
Modi will additionally participate in the 6th IBSA Summit during his visit.
The G20 this year is themed “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.” According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi is expected to speak in all three sessions of the Summit.
The G20 represents more than 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.
