India, South Africa Reaffirm Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Ties

• South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile meets Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan
• Both sides discuss trade, investment, defence and skills development
• Leaders stress cooperation in BRICS, G20, IBSA and IORA
• India seeks continued South African support for Project Cheetah

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 2nd June: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday held talks with South African Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with South Africa across key sectors, including trade, investment, defence cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Mashatile, who is on an official visit to India, was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising senior ministers and officials from the South African government.

During the meeting at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, the two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral relations and discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

They also exchanged views on advancing the priorities of the Global South and enhancing collaboration through multilateral forums such as BRICS, G20, IBSA and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

A key focus of the discussions was expanding economic engagement between the two countries. Both leaders emphasized the need to create a more conducive environment for businesses and investors and unlock the full potential of bilateral trade.

Vice President Radhakrishnan highlighted the proposed India–Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Preferential Trade Agreement and expressed hope for the early commencement and successful conclusion of negotiations.

The two sides also welcomed the growing defence partnership between India and South Africa and expressed interest in expanding cooperation through future editions of the IBSAMAR naval exercise involving India, Brazil and South Africa.

Radhakrishnan thanked South Africa for its support to India’s cheetah reintroduction programme through the transfer of cheetahs under Project Cheetah.

Noting the encouraging progress of the conservation initiative, including successful breeding in the wild, the Vice President sought South Africa’s continued cooperation in the programme.

The Vice President also invited South Africa to consider joining several India-led global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), highlighting their relevance to sustainable development and climate resilience.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and working together to promote peace, prosperity, sustainable development and the interests of developing nations.

Radhakrishnan wished Deputy President Mashatile and his delegation a productive and pleasant stay in India.