G20 Johannesburg / PM Modi Engages Indian-Origin Tech Entrepreneurs in Johannesburg, Calls for Deeper India Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a "fruitful interaction" with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg during the G20 Summit. He discussed their work in fintech, social media, agriculture, education, healthcare, and medical devices, encouraging deeper engagement with India.

During the ongoing prestigious G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant meeting with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs, while the primary objective of this interaction was to strengthen their ties with India and explore new avenues for collaboration across various technological sectors. The Prime Minister actively encouraged these entrepreneurs to contribute to India's growth trajectory, thereby bolstering India's technological prowess and innovation on the global stage. This meeting comes at a crucial time when India is making its mark in the global tech landscape and seeks to benefit from the expertise of its diaspora.

A 'Fruitful Interaction' with Tech Innovators

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 'fruitful interaction' with Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs in Johannesburg on Friday, as he himself posted on X (formerly Twitter). During this interaction, he extensively discussed the work and initiatives being undertaken by these entrepreneurs across various sectors. The Prime Minister specifically lauded their innovations and contributions in critical areas such as fintech, social media platforms, agriculture, education, healthcare, and medical devices. This meeting signifies a crucial step towards fortifying India's technological ecosystem and recognizing Indian talent on a global scale, fostering a collaborative environment for future advancements.

Call for Deeper Engagement with India

In his discussions, Prime Minister Modi issued a clear call to these Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs to deepen their engagement with India, while he urged them to work collaboratively with the people of India and play an active role in the nation's development. The Prime Minister's message is an integral part of India's strategy to harness the expertise and resources of its diaspora, thereby accelerating innovation and technological progress within the country. This appeal is expected not only to foster economic cooperation but also to. Strengthen cultural and social bonds, positioning India as a formidable global technological power.

Entrepreneurs' Work Across Diverse Sectors

The tech entrepreneurs present at the meeting showcased their remarkable initiatives across a diverse range of sectors. In the realm of fintech, they discussed digital solutions aimed at making financial services more accessible and efficient for a wider population. Their role in the development of social media platforms has redefined global communication and connectivity, bringing people closer. In the agricultural sector, they highlighted innovative methods using technology to enhance productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers. On top of that, in crucial sectors like education and healthcare, entrepreneurs presented groundbreaking solutions that promise to make these services more effective and widely available. Their contributions in the medical devices sector demonstrated the potential to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve patient outcomes.

Jatin Bhatia's Experience and 'Expulger' Platform

Jatin Bhatia, one of the eight entrepreneurs who attended this significant meeting, shared his experience of interacting with Prime Minister Modi. Bhatia is the founder of 'Expulger', a social media platform specifically designed for travelers, which was launched in India in 2021. He revealed that 'Expulger' is the world's first platform of its kind for travelers, boasting over 20 million users from 75 countries. Bhatia described the detailed meeting as 'very good' and noted the Prime Minister's keen interest in their work. His positive feedback underscores the Prime Minister's personal effort to understand and appreciate the innovations brought forth by these entrepreneurs.

PM Modi's Visionary Approach to Technology and Tourism

Recounting his conversation with Prime Minister Modi, Jatin Bhatia expressed that it didn't feel like he was speaking to a political leader or a head of state. Instead, the Prime Minister engaged with them like a fellow tech-entrepreneur,. Asking precisely the right questions about technology and offering visionary suggestions. Bhatia highlighted that the Prime Minister's vision is to boost tourism, and he demonstrated a profound interest in leveraging technology to achieve this goal. Bhatia lauded the Prime Minister's leadership, expressing immense satisfaction that such a visionary individual is at the helm of the country, while this interaction showcased the Prime Minister's deep understanding of innovation and technology, beyond his role as a policymaker.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to participate in this summit from November 21 to 23, underscoring India's growing role on the global stage, while this summit marks a significant milestone as it's the first G20 Summit to be hosted on the African continent. The Prime Minister will engage in discussions on key issues pertinent to India and the Global South, reflecting India's commitment to bringing the concerns and aspirations of developing nations to the forefront of the global agenda. This visit marks his fourth official trip to South Africa, following a bilateral. Visit in 2016 and participation in two BRICS Summits in 2018 and 2023.

South Africa's Presidency and G20's Global Impact

This summit represents the fourth consecutive G20 conference hosted by the Global. South, following Indonesia, India, and Brazil, with South Africa now taking the lead. This trend signifies a shift in global power dynamics and the increasing voice of developing nations. Under South Africa's presidency, with the theme of 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,' the forum has identified priority areas for discussion. The G20 comprises major economies that collectively represent 85 percent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 75. Percent of international trade, making its decisions profoundly impactful on the global economy and fostering collective action for global challenges.

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