Excitement building ahead of Indian Prime Minister's state visit
The Indian Diaspora hopes next month's state visit by India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will lead to closer ties between South Africa and India.
The Prime Minister of India will address a community reception during his state visit to the country on 8 July. The event will bring together individuals from one of the oldest Indian communities outside of India, as well as the broader South African community.
"For the first time the head of state of India will address a public gathering of this magnitude in South Africa," spokesman for Modi in SA Mahundra Raghunath said at a press conference in Killarney on Friday.
Vice-chairman of the welcoming committee, Mukesh Patel said there has been a positive response to Modi's visit.
"We have not heard or seen any resistance, we have seen only enthusiasm and encouragement from all walks of life," he said.
#NarendraModi Modi in S.A. welcomes India's prime minister to S.A.@JacaNews pic.twitter.com/GNGGV2hNDM
— silindelo masikane (@Slindelo_M) June 17, 2016