In a recent turn of events, Cyril Ramphosa, the President of South Africa, made a two-day visit to India. This historical trip marked the 70th Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi, where President Ramphosa was honored as the chief guest, becoming the second South African president following Nelson Mandela to receive this privilege.
Strategic Programme of Cooperation
One major outcome of President Ramphosa’s visit was the signing of a Three-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2019-2021). The initiative is designed to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations, covering defense, security, economic, trade & investment relations, development partnerships, and capacity building.
The Strategic Programme of Cooperation also revitalizes the previous declarations signed between the two countries – the Red Fort Declaration of March 1997 in New Delhi and the Tshwane Declaration of October 2006 in Pretoria, South Africa which had further confirmed the Red Fort Declaration. Both declarations highlight areas of cooperation across political, economic, defense, scientific, consular, and socio-cultural spheres.
Key Aspects of India-South Africa Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| International Cooperation | India and South Africa share common goals on global issues such as UN reforms, BRICS, G-20, Commonwealth, Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and IBSA. They also co-support initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA). |
| Diaspora | The Indian community in South Africa stands at 1.5 million people, comprising 3% of the total population. Both nations are working to simplify visa agreements to enhance people-to-people interactions and tourism. |
| Defense Relation | South Africa’s robust defense industry aligns with India’s, leading to cooperation in defense production, joint collaboration, manufacturing, research, training, and joint exercises. |
| Trade Relation | Trade between India and South Africa has grown 13% over the previous year to $10.7 billion in 2017-18. Both countries are taking steps to further enhance bilateral investments. |
India-South Africa: United Against Terrorism
Both nations have agreed upon an early agreement and adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) and condemned terrorism in all its forms. They share common concerns in the areas of terrorism, FATF, and cyber security.
“India for Humanity” Initiative
In light of Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary, India launched the “India for Humanity” initiative in South Africa. This initiative, led by the Ministry of External Affairs, provides artificial limbs, manufactured by “Jaipur Foot,” to South Africans in need. The initiative is part of a year-long series of artificial limb fitment camps conducted worldwide.
A Historical Look at India-South Africa Relations
The relations between India and South Africa have deep historical roots, there’s a strong emotional component fuelled by the fact that South Africa is the place where Mahatma Gandhi began his political career. Back in the 20th century, India was the first nation to sever ties with the apartheid Government in 1946 and imposed a complete diplomatic, commercial, cultural, and sports embargo on South Africa. India persistently fought against apartheid, working closely with the African National Congress (ANC) in their struggle. The ANC maintained a representative office in New Delhi from the 1960s onwards. These ties between the two nations were restored after a hiatus of four decades with the inauguration of a Cultural Centre in Johannesburg in May 1993.
