On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his two-day visit to South Africa to attend the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Johannesburg, Jaishankar promised India's backing for South Africa's G20 objectives. 

“Honoured to call on President @CyrilRamaphosa of South Africa on the sidelines of the G20 FMM in Johannesburg. Conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi. Assured India's support for South Africa's G20 priorities,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. For the first time, the G20 is being hosted on the African continent, with South Africa serving as its host nation. During the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Jaishankar met with several world leaders, including Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. 

“Glad to meet FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia this evening in Johannesburg. Reviewed the continued progress of India-Russia bilateral cooperation,” he said. “Discussed recent developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict, including his Riyadh meeting. Agreed to remain in touch,” he added. He also met his counterparts from Singapore, Brazil and Ethiopia to discuss global developments and ways to strengthen bilateral ties. During the event, he met Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan and Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira. “Always a good conversation with FM @VivianBala of Singapore, this time in Johannesburg on the sidelines of G20 FMM. Discussed the state of the world and our work in furthering bilateral ties,” Jaishankar posted on X. 

Jaishankar also mentioned that he and Vieira from Brazil talked about their countries' relations, global issues, and their roles in the G20 and Brazil’s BRICS Presidency. Last week, the Brazilian government announced that the next BRICS summit will be held in Rio de Janeiro on July 6-7. BRICS was formed in 2009 and is the only major international group that does not include the United States. Its members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Jaishankar met with Gedion Timotheos, his counterpart from Ethiopia, and congratulated him on his appointment.