EMERGING AREAS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND INDIA

Relations between India with the Republic of South Africa has flourished and gained momentum over the last few decades.

- AAKASH AGARWAL*

Introduction

Relations between India with the Republic of South Africa has flourished and gained momentum over the last few decades. This account to historical links, correlative support of their endeavour against imperialism and racial discrimination, the presence of Indian diaspora in South Africa and shared discernment of major global issues. After the end of apartheid in 1994, both countries established diplomatic relations, close strategic, cultural and economic ties. Both nations are once former British colonies and full member states of the Commonwealth of Nations as Commonwealth Republics.

After the foundation of diplomatic relations in November 1994, South Africa and India sanctioned around 15 MoUs (Memorandum of understanding) on different domains including financial, Defence and socio-cultural cooperation.

In the year 2001-02, the Government of India came up with the “Focus Africa Plan” primarily focused on strategies to reinforce Indo-SA Cooperation in the area of bilateral trade, investment opportunities, transfer of technology, information technology, health care etc. South Africa and India’s relationship cultivated confidence after the 5-day official visit of President Thabo Mbeki to India. Another powerful element was added to the India-South Africa relationship when the External Ministers of India, South Africa and Brazil met in Brasilia for the project of India-Brazil-South Africa dialogue forum (IBSA) on June 6, 2003.

The emerging areas of cooperation Economic Cooperation: