Congress Urges PM Modi to Intervene: Will India Address Trump's Sanctions Against South Africa?

Indian Congress Challenges PM Modi on South Africa's Cause Amid Trump's Sanctions

Published: November 28, 2025 – New Delhi

A significant political query has emerged from the Indian Congress, directly challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi on whether he will leverage his often-highlighted "good friendship" with U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene on behalf of South Africa.

Trump's Actions Against South Africa

This pressing question comes in the wake of President Trump's recent announcement to explicitly bar South Africa from participating in the upcoming Group of 20 (G20) summit, which is scheduled to be held next year in Miami. Further escalating the situation, President Trump also declared his intent to "stop all payments and subsidies" to the African nation, signaling a severe diplomatic and financial blow. This unexpected move has ignited considerable concerns within the international community and directly prompted India's opposition party to question the government's stance and potential role.

Modi's Diplomatic Dilemma

The Congress's direct query places PM Modi in a delicate diplomatic position. Given India's growing global influence and its often-emphasized strategic partnership with the United States, there's a strong expectation for India to potentially mediate or advocate for other nations facing similar international pressures. Modi's personal rapport and frequent interactions with President Trump have consistently been a prominent talking point in both nations' foreign policy circles. Now, the Congress is pressing for that influential relationship to be utilized for a broader diplomatic good, specifically regarding South Africa's challenging predicament.

The Geopolitical Stakes

This development highlights the intricate and interconnected web of international relations, involving key global players like India, the U.S., and South Africa. It powerfully underscores the critical role of strong bilateral ties in addressing complex multilateral challenges. The international community, alongside Indian citizens, will keenly watch how PM Modi chooses to navigate this significant diplomatic challenge and if he will indeed take up South Africa's cause with his American counterpart in the coming days.