South Africa: Indian diaspora accords grand welcome to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand welcome by the Indian diaspora on his arrival for the Brics summit in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Among those who greeted him were activists of the Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj and the local chapter of the Swaminarayan organisation.

At the Sandton Sun Hotel, the venue of the Brics summit, he met with local and expatriate Indians before attending the Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue. Indian community members carried the Tricolour and musical instruments and greeted Modi with chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'.

"Gratitude to South Africa's Indian community for the special welcome in Johannesburg," Modi posted on X and shared some pictures of his interaction. Two women tied 'rakhi' around his wrist, with Raksha Bandhan just days away.

"I am very glad to have met him... He has an amazing aura around him... I hope that his influence passes on to other leaders around the world," said Lucy Sigaban, founder, SA Hindus. "He is a very lovable person, he is very humble. I think he is doing a good job in India," said Mohan Hira, who received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award recently.

The Indian diaspora in South Africa is among the largest in the world. Modi also viewed a model of the Swaminarayan Mandir, under construction since 2017 and expected to be completed by 2025. The temple situated at North Riding, north of Johannesburg, will be similar to one in Nairobi built entirely of stone. It will also include classrooms and a clinic.