Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Indian origin tech entrepreneurs and members of the Indian community based in South Africa. Photo: PX@narendramodi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (November 21, 2025) interacted with Indian origin tech entrepreneurs and members of the Indian community based in South Africa and called upon them to deepen their engagement with India.
Mr. Modi, who is in Johannesburg to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit, in a social media post said he had a “fruitful interaction” with Indian origin tech entrepreneurs and they talked about the work they are doing in sectors such as 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 said.
The Prime Minister also met members of the Indian community based in South Africa who are actively working with different community organisations.
“They shared their experiences on various issues and were very appreciative of India’s strides across different fields. Urged them to keep up the momentum with which they are enhancing people-to-people linkages,” he said.
“Also asked them to boost the popularity of Indian culture among the people of South Africa, including practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda,” he added.
“The Prime Minister emphasised their role as ‘a living bridge’ between the two countries. He appreciated the contribution of over 1.7 million strong Indian diaspora in South Africa towards nurturing the historical bonds of friendship between India and South Africa,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.
Mr. Modi also lauded their efforts to help the youth connect with the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, he added.
The Prime Minister also received a ‘Kalash’ from the Chinmaya Mission, consisting of Shree Anna or millets from India as well as South Africa.
“This will be placed in the Annapoorna Devi Temple in Durban,” he said.
Mr. Modi also met with the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye (Know India) Quiz in South Africa.
The Prime Minister said this quiz “encourages members of our diaspora to learn more about India’s history, culture and more”.
PM Modi meets Naspers chairman, CEO
Mr. Modi held a meeting with Naspers chairman and CEO on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit and discussed expanding investments in India’s digital ecosystem.
Mr. Modi met with Chairman Koos Bekker and CEO Fabricio Bloisi of the South African multinational internet and technology company and the discussions focussed on “expanding investments in India’s digital ecosystem, AI, Startup and space sectors and explore new avenues in consumer market and technology”, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post.
“Naspers’ success in India reflects ease of doing business and the strength of the Startup ecosystem in India,” he added.
“Deepening investment linkages featured prominently in the discussions. It is commendable how Naspers is actively working with our talented youth across diverse sectors,” Mr. Modi said on X.
Separately, Mr. Modi also met his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese and the two leaders took stock of progress in cooperation in diverse areas, including defence and security, critical minerals, trade & investment and people-to-people ties.
Mr. Modi met Mr. Albanese hours after he arrived in South Africa to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Mr. Modi arrived at Waterkloof Air Force Base (AFB) in Gauteng, where he was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome.
This is the first G20 Summit being held in Africa. The African Union became a member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.
Published – November 22, 2025 07:19 am IST
