Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a visit to Johannesburg for the G20 Summit, met Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs and members of the Indian community in South Africa, highlighting the role of the diaspora in strengthening ties between the two countries. The discussions covered innovations in fintech, social media, agriculture, education, healthcare, and medical devices.
Modi encouraged entrepreneurs to collaborate more closely with India, share expertise, and contribute to building stronger technology-based links. He described the Indian community in South Africa as a “living bridge” between India and South Africa and urged them to promote Indian culture abroad, including Yoga and Ayurveda, to deepen people-to-people connections.
As part of the cultural exchange, Modi received a Kalash containing millets grown in both India and South Africa, to be placed in a temple in Durban. He also met winners of a quiz on India, praising their efforts to understand the country’s history and heritage.
On the sidelines, Modi held talks with Naspers leadership to encourage increased investment in India’s digital, AI, and startup sectors, as well as opportunities in consumer technology and space. He praised Naspers’ long-term commitment to India and highlighted the importance of private investment in strengthening the country’s tech ecosystem.
Naspers’ leadership indicated plans to expand investments in India, citing optimism about the country’s innovation potential and AI-driven growth. Modi’s meetings reflect India’s strategy of leveraging its global diaspora for both cultural diplomacy and economic development, while also attracting foreign investment into future-focused sectors.
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