Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg, held on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, became a significant moment in deepening India’s global technological collaborations. During his three-day visit to South Africa, Modi urged innovators to strengthen their engagement with India’s growing digital ecosystem, highlighting opportunities across fintech, social media, agriculture technology, health innovation and education. His meeting underscored how India views its diaspora as an essential partner in expanding its technological influence globally.
PM Modi discusses innovation, global digital opportunities and India’s expanding technological landscape with entrepreneurs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described his meeting with Indian-origin entrepreneurs as a “fruitful interaction” that reflected the expanding potential of India’s digital economy. The entrepreneurs briefed him on their work across multiple sectors, discussing their innovations in financial technology, social media platforms, agro-tech solutions, digital learning systems, medical devices and health-tech services. Modi encouraged them to collaborate more deeply with Indian institutions, startups and young innovators so that their global experience could support India’s next phase of technological transformation.
Among the entrepreneurs present was Jatin Bhatia, founder of the social media platform Explurger, launched in India in 2021. Bhatia said that eight entrepreneurs participated in the meeting, and the discussion was both detailed and encouraging. He explained that Explurger is the world’s first social media platform specifically designed for travelers and currently connects over twenty million users across seventy-five countries. Bhatia shared that Modi asked insightful, technically relevant questions that made the conversation feel like an exchange between two innovators rather than a political interaction.
Bhatia said he felt the prime minister spoke “like a tech entrepreneur,” demonstrating a deep understanding of user behavior, digital expansion, platform scaling and future technology trends. Modi’s suggestions, he added, carried the clarity of someone with a visionary perspective on technology’s potential to shape societies and economies. Bhatia said the entrepreneurs left the meeting with confidence, believing that India’s leadership understands and values innovation at a global level.
Modi conveyed that India’s digital transformation is progressing rapidly, with the country becoming a global example in digital payments, fintech regulation, identity-based digital public infrastructure and telemedicine outreach. He urged the entrepreneurs to explore collaborations in India’s fast-growing startup ecosystem, which is now among the world’s most dynamic networks of innovators. He noted that India’s aim is not only to expand technology access but to lead in developing solutions that address real societal needs.
The meeting also covered discussions on data governance, digital security, global app expansion, agricultural efficiency using AI-driven tools, smart health monitoring systems and educational platforms tailored for developing regions. Modi highlighted that India’s technological future depends on partnerships that bridge continents, connect minds and advance inclusive innovation. He said that Indian-origin technologists worldwide bring valuable experience that can play a powerful role in shaping India’s long-term development.
Entrepreneurs shared that the prime minister’s approach during the meeting reflected India’s ongoing commitment to digital innovation and diaspora engagement. They emphasized that the environment created during the dialogue encouraged open discussion about challenges, opportunities, market expansion and collaboration frameworks. Modi reiterated that the government’s digital mission aims to support entrepreneurs who are building tools that strengthen society and empower communities.
The prime minister expressed appreciation for the entrepreneurs’ achievements and encouraged them to bring their expertise back to India in the form of partnerships, investments, mentorship and knowledge transfer. He conveyed that the Indian diaspora has a unique ability to merge global insights with Indian priorities, creating a powerful space for innovation-driven growth.
G20 Summit backdrop, India’s role in the Global South and the broader significance of Modi’s South Africa visit
The meeting with tech entrepreneurs took place during a historic G20 Summit in Johannesburg, the first ever to be held on African soil. Prime Minister Modi arrived in South Africa on November 21 for the three-day event, which highlights the rising leadership of the Global South in shaping global economic, digital and developmental agendas. His participation signals India’s continued commitment to amplify the concerns of developing nations, promote equitable reforms and enhance international cooperation.
The summit marks India’s close engagement with the leadership transitions within the G20. Before South Africa, the presidency was held by Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024, making this the fourth consecutive summit led by the Global South. This continuity symbolizes a collective effort to rebalance global decision-making and ensure that emerging economies have a significant voice.
The G20 represents major global economies accounting for eighty-five percent of the world’s GDP and seventy-five percent of international trade. Under South Africa’s presidency, the forum has prioritized themes of solidarity, equality and sustainability. These priorities intersect with India’s own focus areas, including digital public infrastructure, climate resilience, health systems reform, inclusive economic growth and cooperation among developing nations.
Modi’s visit to South Africa is also significant as it marks his fourth official trip to the country, following his bilateral visit in 2016 and participation in the BRICS summits of 2018 and 2023. India and South Africa share a long history of solidarity, rooted in anti-colonial struggles, shared democratic values and strong cultural links fostered by a large Indian-origin community. Modi referred to the diaspora as a bridge connecting the two nations socially, culturally and economically.
During his visit, Modi also took part in community interactions and cultural programmes that showcased the heritage of Indian states through dance, music and traditional expression. He said the diaspora’s continued commitment to preserving Indian culture abroad strengthens India’s relationship with South Africa. He emphasized that the affection and warmth expressed by the Indian community reflects the enduring bonds formed over generations.
The G20 Summit is expected to address key global challenges, including economic instability, climate pressures, digital governance and global health inequalities. Modi is anticipated to play an active
role in discussions surrounding developmental finance, global supply chains, digital transformation and South–South cooperation. His bilateral interactions reflect India’s intention to build partnerships that support sustainable and inclusive development.
Modi’s meeting with tech entrepreneurs aligns with India’s broader diplomatic and economic objectives at the G20 Summit. It signals that India sees technological collaboration as essential to shaping the global future, particularly in areas where developing nations stand to benefit from new tools and platforms. The dialogue demonstrated that India is ready to work with innovators worldwide to develop solutions that address local needs while contributing to global progress.
The presence of Indian-origin innovators in Johannesburg reinforced the narrative that India’s global influence extends far beyond its borders through the creativity and leadership of its diaspora. Modi said that their vision, ideas and global experience can significantly contribute to India’s evolving digital framework. He expressed confidence that such collaborations will strengthen India’s technological path and support its growth in a rapidly changing world.
