RS deputy chairman urges Indian diaspora in South Africa to partner in emerging technologies

RS deputy chairman urges Indian diaspora in South Africa to partner in emerging technologies

JOHANNESBURG, Sep 20 : Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Singh has urged the Indian diaspora in South Africa to deepen its engagement with India, highlighting the country's technological advances across diverse sectors. Singh made these remarks at a community reception...

Singh made these remarks at a community reception in Johannesburg on Friday after leading an Indian parliamentary delegation to the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town.

He urged professionals, innovators and business leaders from the Indian community to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space technology, biotechnology, clean energy and digital public infrastructure.

"Now you have an opportunity to write the next chapter, one in which your businesses, your ideas, your investments and your mass networks become an even stronger bridge between India, South Africa and Africa," he said.

Highlighting economic ties between the two countries, Singh said South Africa is India's leading trading partner in Africa, with more than 150 major Indian companies operating in the country and creating over 20,000 jobs.

Singh said that there remained significant scope to expand trade, investment and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

Singh also highlighted India's support for Africa, citing the African Union's inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India's presidency in 2023.

He praised South Africa's nearly 1.7 million people of Indian origin for their contributions to business, education, medicine, law, public service and culture while maintaining links with their Indian heritage.

Singh also recalled Mahatma Gandhi's years in South Africa, where his experiences of racial discrimination helped shape his political ideas before his return to India.

"Let the friendship of the past become the partnership of the future," Singh said, urging the diaspora to invest in India, mentor young innovators and strengthen commercial links between the two countries. (PTI)