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PM Modi South Africa visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and ceremonial welcome as he arrived in South Africa on Thursday to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit. His visit, marked by cultural pride and emotional moments, saw members of the Indian diaspora turning the airport and welcome venue into a vibrant celebration of India’s heritage.

Girmitiya Song ‘Ganga Maiya’ Sets Emotional Tone

One of the most stirring moments came when a diaspora troupe performed the historic Girmitiya song “Ganga Maiya”. What made it even more special was its soulful Tamil rendition. The performance honoured the resilience of the early Indian indentured labourers known as Girmitiyas, who arrived in South Africa generations ago and preserved their connection with India through songs, prayers, and cultural practices.

In a post on X, PM Modi said the performance was “gladdening and moving”, adding that the song carried the “hope and unbroken spirit of those who came here many years ago… They kept India alive in their hearts through songs and prayers.”

Devotional Prayers Add To The Cultural Showcase

The welcome ceremony also featured children and young members of the community performing the Ganapati Prarthana, Shanti Mantra, and other traditional chants. Their devotion, PM Modi said, reaffirmed the “enduring bonds between our people”.

Videos shared on X captured the Prime Minister smiling and applauding as the performers, dressed in traditional attire, sang the hymns with grace and precision.

Among those present was South African actress and producer Tarina Patel, who expressed her excitement at welcoming PM Modi. Speaking to ANI, she said she had long dreamt of meeting the Prime Minister. “I missed his last visit in 2023, but I am so excited that he’s here. I’m a proud Gujarati,” she said.

Members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers, waving the Indian tricolour, holding banners, and showering cheers as the Prime Minister stepped out of the aircraft. Many bowed to him as a mark of respect, while others offered flowers and exchanged greetings. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Prime Minister was given a “warm and ceremonial welcome” upon landing in Pretoria.

PM Modi’s Key Agenda At G20 Summit

PM Modi will attend the G20 Summit from November 21 to 23, a landmark moment as this is the first G20 summit hosted on the African continent. The Prime Minister is expected to hold key engagements focusing on the Global South, development cooperation, climate financing, and strengthening multilateral institutions.

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According to Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), MEA, the G20 remains a crucial forum where several initiatives relevant to the Global South have been advanced. He said discussions held under Indonesia, India and Brazil have continued effectively into South Africa’s presidency. “We are very happy that the issues of importance to the Global South are at the centre of discussion and are being highlighted,” Dalela said.

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As PM Modi begins his engagements in Johannesburg, the emotional welcome from the Indian community has set the tone for a visit rich in cultural warmth, diplomatic significance and historic continuity.

With inputs from agency.

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