PM Modi meets top scientists in South Africa as BRICS Summit wraps up

Aug 25, 2023

Johannesburg (South Africa), Aug 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 24 met Dr. Himla Soodyall, a prominent geneticist and Siyabulela Xuza, a rocket scientist in South Africa after the conclusion of the 15th BRICS Summit and exchanged views on disease screening and the future of energy. Talking about the meeting, Dr Himla Soodyall said, “A great honour to meet with the Prime Minister...He talked a little bit about the genetic work that I have been doing in South Africa and some of the linkages with India. In addition to that, we talked about the G20 and the Science20 meetings both of which I attended in India...He is very much in touch with the ongoings of not just global issues but also issues pertaining to regional sources of initiatives as well as trying to promote an active engagement between our two countries. I think that shows strong leadership going forward in terms of harnessing the strengths where they lie.”The noted Rocket Scientist and founder of Galactic Energy Ventures, Siyabulela Xuza said that it was incredible to meet PM Modi. “An incredible honour to meet with PM of India PM Modi. Truly, I echo your views that he is a visionary leader. I think for me, as a young South African, as an innovator from the Global South to be able to engage such a global leader and see his deep concern for issues that not only affect India but also affect us in Africa - climate change and economic growth and to be able to see his deep concern and the passion and commitment that he has to Africa has truly been humbling,” he said. Modi was in South Africa on a three-day visit. He attended the 15th BRICS Summit and held bilateral meetings with several world leaders to further cement India's relations with those countries.