On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs and members of the Indian community in South Africa, encouraging them to strengthen their ties with India.
In a social media post, Modi, who is in Johannesburg for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, claimed to have had a “fruitful interaction” with tech entrepreneurs of Indian descent. They discussed their work in a variety of industries, including FinTech, social media platforms, agriculture, education, healthcare, medical devices, and more.
“Called upon them to deepen their engagement with India and work closely with our people,” he stated.
Narendra Modi met South African Indian community members
Additionally, the prime minister met South African Indian community members who are actively involved with various community organizations.
“They expressed their opinions on a range of topics and expressed gratitude for India’s advancements in a number of areas. encouraged them to maintain the pace at which they are strengthening interpersonal connections,” he stated.
“Also asked them to boost the popularity of Indian culture among the people of South Africa, including practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda,” he said.
“The prime minister emphasized their position as ‘a living bridge’ connecting the two countries. He praised the approximately 1.7 million-strong Indian diaspora in South Africa for helping to strengthen the historical connection between India and South Africa,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.
Modi also praised their efforts to connect the youth with the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, he said.
The prime minister also got a ‘Kalash’ from the Chinmaya Mission, which included Shree Anna or millets from both India and South Africa.
“This will be placed in the Annapoorna Devi Temple in Durban,” he stated.
Additionally, Modi had a meeting with the South African Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz champions.
This test “encourages members of our diaspora to learn more about India’s history, culture, and more,” according to the prime minister.
In a separate meeting in Johannesburg, Modi and his Australian colleague Anthony Albanese assessed the state of cooperation in a number of areas, including trade and investment, vital minerals, defense and security, and people-to-people ties.
Hours after arriving in South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, Modi had a meeting with Albanese.
Modi met CEO and chairman
Additionally, Modi met with the CEO and chairman of Naspers to explore increasing investments in India’s digital economy.
Modi received a cordial and formal greeting when he landed at Waterkloof Air Force Base (AFB) in Gauteng earlier today.
This is Africa’s first G20 summit. In 2023, when India was president, the African Union joined the G20.
