The India Business Forum was pleased to partner with the Consulate General of India, Durban, for Invest India 2026, bringing together business leaders, investors and government representatives to explore new opportunities for India–South Africa economic cooperation.

The programme opened with remarks by Shri Niteen Subhash Yeola, Consul General of India in Durban, followed by a keynote address by H.W. Cyril Xaba, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality.

The programme featured presentations on India’s investment opportunities across key sectors, followed by three insightful panel discussions. IBF was represented by IBF President Mr. Nihar Patnaik, CEO, Hetero SA, and IBF members Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, CEO, SBI SA; Mr. Karthiekyan Damodaran, Founder & CEO, Indsafri; Mr. Raffik Sayyed, CTO, MSSL SA; and Mr. Jay Pillay, Regional Director, FNB, who shared valuable perspectives on the India–South Africa growth story, cross-border investment and building stronger business partnerships.

The programme concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Mr. Shubham, Head of Chancery, Consulate General of India, Durban, followed by networking over lunch.

A valuable platform for dialogue, networking and identifying new avenues for India–South Africa trade and investment.