June 6 – South African Vice President Paul Mashatile is on an official visit to India with an aim to strengthen trade, investment and strategic cooperation between the two countries amid growing global economic uncertainty.
The visit, which underlines the deep historical ties between Pretoria and New Delhi, comes at a time when both countries seek to expand economic cooperation and strengthen their shared commitment to advance the interests of developing countries through South-South cooperation.
Relations between India and South Africa date back to the anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles, when India supported the African National Congress (ANC) in its fight against racial oppression. Since the end of apartheid, the partnership has evolved into a broad-based alliance spanning trade, diplomacy, culture and multilateral cooperation.
President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and External Affairs Minister S. Before meeting with Jaishankar, India's Joint Secretary for Eastern and Southern Africa Janesh Cain welcomed Mashatile in New Delhi.
India's Ministry of External Affairs said the visit was expected to “strengthen and provide new impetus to India-South Africa strategic relations”.
The engagement comes at a time when both economies are grappling with global economic headwinds, including disruption in energy markets and uncertainty in international trade following the conflict in the Middle East.
Trade and investment figured prominently in the discussions between the two sides. South Africa and India already maintain strong commercial relations in sectors including information technology, mining, infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and engineering.
Indian companies have invested an estimated $10 billion in South Africa, with more than 150 Indian companies operating in the country. These include big companies like Tata, Mahindra, Vedanta, Jindal, Cipla, TCS, Wipro and Tech Mahindra.
The India Business Forum, which promotes commercial relations between the two countries, represents more than 90 member companies with investments worth more than R50 billion and employs more than 22,000 South Africans.
During the visit, the South African delegation advocated increased investment in value addition and manufacturing, particularly critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy technologies.
Mashatile's team also proposed the creation of a South Africa-India Small and Medium Enterprise Industrial Linkage Programme, which aims to strengthen supply chains, promote joint production and expand market access for businesses in both countries.
Both countries are trying to take advantage of South Africa's position as a gateway to African markets and India's globally recognized technology ecosystem. Sectors identified for collaboration include fintech, digital payments, health technology, pharmaceutical manufacturing and agricultural innovation.
Proposals under consideration include the establishment of an “Africa-Asia Innovation Bridge” linking innovation hubs in South Africa and India to support start-ups, technology partnerships, co-investment opportunities and global market expansion.
The visit is also expected to deepen cooperation within multilateral platforms such as BRICS, IBSA, G20, Non-Aligned Movement and Indian Ocean Rim Association, where both countries have consistently advocated for greater representation and economic opportunities for developing countries.
Analysts say the visit reflects the two countries' growing determination to strengthen economic resilience, open up new investment opportunities and establish themselves as major partners in an increasingly uncertain global environment.