South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made a joking remark to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during bilateral talks, saying hosting the G20 was tougher than expected and quipping, “maybe we would have run away.”
I’m writing about this because the exchange tells us something useful about modern diplomacy: it can be candid, warm and surprisingly human. That one line from Ramaphosa underlines how leaders rely on each other’s experience — South Africa openly acknowledging India’s prior G20 role — and how humour can ease high-pressure discussions. For students of politics, civil servants and curious readers, the moment is a neat case study in soft power and peer learning.
It also highlights a deeper point: hosting global summits is not just protocol and logistics; it involves heavy coordination, national image management and long hours of negotiation. By saying they might have “run away,” Ramaphosa wasn’t shirking responsibility — he was recognising the weight of the job and showing gratitude for India’s example. That blend of humility and respect matters because it shapes how nations cooperate, share know-how and navigate changing global responsibilities.
What Ramaphosa Actually Said
Ramaphosa opened the meeting with thanks to India for its earlier leadership at the G20 and described India’s 2023 presidency as “spectacular.” With a laugh, he told PM Modi that had they known how demanding the presidency would be, “maybe we would have run away.” The comment was light in tone and drew smiles from those present. Modi responded graciously, signalling mutual respect and a relaxed rapport between the two leaders.
Why the Remark Matters
The joke is more than a passing quip. It signals:
- Humility: Admitting the burden of hosting shows leaders are human and honest about challenges.
- Peer learning: South Africa openly acknowledged India’s prior experience, pointing to a practical transfer of lessons.
- Soft diplomacy: Small, candid moments build trust and can smooth tougher negotiations later.
Context: India’s 2023 G20 and South Africa’s Turn
India’s 2023 presidency set a high bar — large public outreach, a packed agenda and significant diplomatic wins, including steps that strengthened engagement with the Global South. South Africa, hosting the G20 for the first time, has faced logistical and diplomatic pressure that comes with convening global leaders. Ramaphosa’s comment can be read as both a compliment to India’s groundwork and an honest note about the strain of the task.
What This Says About Global Cooperation
This exchange highlights growing South–South cooperation. Rather than compete on stage, several emerging economies are now willing to share practices, mentoring newer hosts through practical advice. That approach helps make summits more inclusive and less dominated by traditional powers.
Takeaways for Readers
- Diplomacy is often personal: a single line can reveal tone, intent and relationship between leaders.
- Leadership involves visible effort: hosting big summits requires months of unseen work.
- Learning from peers matters: established hosts help new hosts avoid pitfalls and replicate successes.
