Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday as he departed for Johannesburg to attend the G20 Summit, suggesting he was travelling “safely” because US President Donald Trump is boycotting the event. Jairam Ramesh questioned whether Modi’s trademark “huglomacy” with Trump would return when the next Summit is held in the United States.
Congress Questions PM Modi’s Move, Links It To Trump’s Absence
Jairam Ramesh claimed Modi skipped the recent India-Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur to avoid meeting Trump. He described the situation as “extraordinary,” criticising US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for opposing South Africa’s G20 themes—solidarity, equality, and sustainability—calling them “anti-American”. Ramesh further noted that Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for halting “Operation Sindoor” and warned these claims would multiply over the next year.
G20 Summit, US Boycott, And Diplomatic Undercurrents
The Congress leader highlighted the annual rotation of G20 presidencies: India took over from Indonesia in 2023, passed it to Brazil in 2024, and South Africa will now hand it to the United States — which is boycotting the ongoing Summit. He speculated whether Modi would maintain warm ties with Trump during the next Summit in the US or keep interactions minimal.
Meanwhile, PM Modi said he would present India’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and engage in several bilateral and multilateral discussions in Johannesburg. His agenda includes participation in the sixth IBSA Summit alongside meetings with global leaders.
