Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday launched a pointed attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States will boycott the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa. In a post on X, Ramesh remarked that with Trump officially withdrawing from the summit, “the self-styled Vishwaguru will himself attend in person,” suggesting that Modi’s decision-making regarding international meetings is influenced by Washington’s stance.

Ramesh’s comments referenced the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in Johannesburg on November 22–23, 2025. Earlier in the day, the US government declared that neither President Trump nor any American officials—including the Vice President—would participate in the summit. Trump justified the boycott by alleging systemic human rights abuses against white farmers (Afrikaners) in South Africa. In a Truth Social post, he claimed that Afrikaners were being “killed and slaughtered” and that their land was being “illegally confiscated.” He added that the US would abstain from G20 participation until such abuses ceased and said he looked forward to hosting the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami, Florida.

Ramesh linked Trump’s withdrawal to his criticism of Modi’s earlier absence from the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he had accused the Prime Minister of avoiding potential scrutiny or diplomacy-related pressure from the United States government. By invoking the phrase “self-styled Vishwaguru,” Ramesh implied that Modi positions himself as a global leader yet selectively participates in high-profile international engagements based on political convenience.

The White House had already signalled its position earlier in May when it directed federal agencies to halt all preparations related to the November G20 Summit. Trump had indicated at the time that the US would not participate, a stance later reported by The Hill. The decision represents a significant moment in global diplomatic relations, given the United States’ central role in the G20 framework.

The G20, comprising 19 countries along with the European Union, serves as a premier forum for international economic cooperation and policymaking. Its members include major world economies such as India, China, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. The grouping addresses global macroeconomic issues, trade, financial stability, climate challenges and broader geopolitical concerns.

With Trump’s confirmation of the US boycott, political attention in India has turned toward whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the summit. While the Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued an official statement regarding the Prime Minister’s travel plans, Ramesh’s remarks highlight ongoing political contestation over India’s foreign policy choices, diplomatic engagement, and the symbolism associated with Modi’s presence at global forums.

As the summit approaches, the dynamics of international participation—and their domestic political interpretations—continue to evolve, especially against the backdrop of the United States’ withdrawal and India’s prominent role in global economic discussions.