Johannesburg/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome from the Indian community in Johannesburg with Rakhi thalis and Indian flags as he arrived in South Africa for the first in-person BRICS summit since 2019. 

As the Prime Minister arrived, people were seen attempting to get one picture of PM Modi within striking distance.

Videos showed the Prime Minister blessing children, affectionately touching them on the head, greeting people with folded hands, and accepting their love and well wishes.

The Indian community could be heard chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', and 'Vande Matram' for the Prime Minister, who is eyeing a third term in the general elections scheduled early next year.

As the Prime Minister made his way to the hotel from the airport, Indian community members were waiting for him with 'dhols'.

This is PM Modi's third visit to South Africa and the trip marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between India and South Africa.

This year's BRICS, a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa,  is under the presidency of South Africa. The theme of this year's summit is: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism."