Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Johannesburg for the G20 Leaders' Summit, held a productive meeting with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs and members of the Indian community in South Africa. He discussed their work across diverse sectors like FinTech, social media, agriculture, education, healthcare, and medical devices, urging them to deepen their collaboration with India’s innovation ecosystem. Modi emphasized the role of this diaspora as a “living bridge” that nurtures historic bonds between the two nations.

Modi also met local Indian community leaders active in various organizations, appreciating their efforts to promote Indian culture, including Yoga and Ayurveda, in South Africa. He encouraged them to continue enhancing people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges, reflecting the strong heritage shared by India and South Africa’s 1.7 million-strong Indian diaspora.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held talks with Naspers’ chairman and CEO about expanding investments in India’s digital space, highlighting growing cooperation in technology and startups. The Prime Minister also met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to review progress in defence, trade, critical minerals, and people-to-people ties, underscoring the G20 summit’s role in strengthening global partnerships.

Also Read: Congress Targets PM Modi, Says Trump’s Boycott Made G20 Attendance ‘Safe’ for PM

As part of cultural diplomacy, Modi received a symbolic 'Kalash' from the Chinmaya Mission containing millets from India and South Africa, intended for the Annapoorna Devi Temple in Durban. Modi's engagement at the first-ever G20 summit hosted on African soil underscores India’s commitment to fostering stronger innovation and cultural connections with the African continent and its diaspora.​

Also Read: Trump Hits Back at Ramaphosa’s “Trash Talk” as US Boycotts G20 Summit in South Africa