PM Modi was given a traditional South African welcome on stage before he began his address to the Indian communities living in the country. He thanked the cheering members of the Indian disapora for coming to lend him support. He began his speech with a humorous strain of references to the South African and Indian cricket teams.
You are busy people, that you took your time off to meet me...I thank you for that. Your love and affection makes my visit to the special country all the more special...We may live on distant shores, our ancestors may have been separated in history. And our support maybe for different cricket teams, but our common cultural and religious heritage ensures that we are connected. It’s soon going to be 10 July. Do you know what that day is? It was on this day that the international ban on the South African cricket team was lifted. And the first ODI match they played was in India against the Indian cricket team. The same India which after the apartheid was criminalised, was the country to embrace SA.
Moving onto the historical connection between the countries as a result of the common colonial repression, he said:
Friends, you should be proud of your ancestors. They were one of the first ones to leave the shores of India and come to Africa. Their story is one of pride and sacrifice. But South Africa gave them new cultures, language and also gave them wings. You are what you are because of the other people. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi conceptualised his politics. The concept of Satyagraha. South Africa transformed Mohandas into a Mahatma. The forgiveness of Nelson Mandela and his Long March gave rise to a Rainbow nation. The path these two great men have showed us and freedom that they have won for us, is an inspiration for all of mankind.
Amidst chants of “Modi! Modi”, from the members of the Indian community in the stadium, Modi spoke of the developments in India and welcomed the Indian members to come to India and witness the change themselves. He said that India’s success can be defined in just four letters – HOPE
‘H’ for Harmony, ‘O’ for Optimism, ‘P’ for Potential, ‘E’ for Energy.
He said that South Africa and India are strategic partners since both countries have similar aspirations and challenges in “global fight against apartheid, terrorism and AIDS”.
Our partnership for economic prosperity will also have to take into consideration the environment. South Africa is a critical partner in India’s solar programme. As South Africa works for eco prosperity, safety and security, it’ll find in India a trusted and reliable partner. India is ready to join you in the journey.
He concluded the speech by congratulating the Indian disapora for their achievement, contribution and success.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the Indian community living in South Africa at a stadium in Johannesburg. A thousand people are expected to watch the speech of the first Indian PM to visit South Africa in the past decade.
Watch the speech live:
Modi at Nelson Mandela Foundation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Nelson Mandela Foundation before his address to the Indian diaspora.
PM Modi then met the aides of Nelson Mandela, Kathrada, Chiba, Bezos, Kasrils, and Pahad.
Modi Visits Prison Gandhi and Mandela Shared
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the Constitution Hill with South African President Jacob Zuma. Constitution Hill is where world leaders Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were imprisoned.
PM Modi paid tribute to the bust of Gandhi and inaugurated an exhibition held in his memory. The exhibition holds personal belongings of Gandhi.
India-South Africa Joint Statement
After meeting south African President Jacob Zuma, Indian authorities released the following statement.
South African President Jacob Zuma and PM Modi discussed urgent need for UNSC Reform, international efforts on counter terrorism. UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism as well as implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Following MoUs were signed during the meeting:
- Memorandum of Understanding on ICT
- Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Grassroots Innovation in the area of Science and Technology
- Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism
- Programme of Cultural Cooperation
Read the full statement here.