By
Fred Felton | Sep. 1, 2026
There
were many businesses, entrepreneurs and investors from KwaZulu-Natal in
attendance at the Invest India 2026 Seminar which was held at the Radisson Blu
Hotel in Umhlanga on 11 August 2026.
 |
| The Invest India 2026 Seminar had speakers which included H.E. Niteen Subhash Yeola, Consul General of India in Durban, The eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Cyrl Xaba and Dr Suren Lutchminarayan, UBN President. | Photo: Supplied. |
The
seminar was hosted by the Consulate General of India in Durban, with support
from the Umhlanga Business Network (UBN), Cll-India Business Forum, SBI South
Africa and GIO Africa. The seminar saw business leaders, professionals,
industry representatives and investors coming to together to discuss how
stronger commercial partnerships can be developed between India and South
Africa.
Delegates
were shown opportunities across many sectors including manufacturing, technology,
pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, renewable energy, retail investment,
innovation and startups, while also exploring the potential for joint ventures,
technology exchange and market expansion.
For
KZN businesses, the seminar was an important platform to understand the
opportunities presented by India’s rapidly expanding economy and to work on
direct relationships with organisations and individuals involved in
facilitating investment.
‘’KwaZulu-Natal
has a vibrant and entrepreneurial business community and there is considerable
scope for our businesses to develop stronger partnerships with India,’’ said
UBN President, Dr Suren Lutchminarayan.
Dr
Lutchminarayan said South African companies should increasingly consider India
as a market for expansion, investment, technology collaboration and business
partnerships, while South Africa could also provide Indian companies with a
strategic gateway into the African continent.
H.E.
Niteen Subhash Yeola, Consul General of India in Durban said: ‘’The strong
response to Invest India 2026 demonstrates the growing interest in
strengthening economic ties between India and South Africa. We encourage
businesses in KwaZulu-Natal and across South Africa to explore the many
opportunities for investment, trade and collaboration with India.’’
Delegates
were also shown a comprehensive presentation from the Invest India team from
Delhi showing opportunities in many sectors. There were also presentations on
GIFT City and Retail Investments in India. After this there were panel discussions
involving leading Indian and South African business leaders. This was followed
by networking and discussions on future collaborations.
UBN
congratulated the Consulate General of India in Durban, speakers, participating
organisations and delegates on the success of the event and said the priority
now was to maintain the momentum generated through the seminar.
