On August 23, 2023, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a significant meeting with His Excellency Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa. The meeting took place in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit, signifying the diplomatic and strategic importance of the occasion.
Reviewing Bilateral Progress
During their meeting, both leaders engaged in a comprehensive review of the progress achieved in the bilateral relations between India and South Africa. They expressed mutual satisfaction over the advancements made in several key areas, including defense, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation, and people-to-people ties.
Strengthening Multifaceted Ties
The meeting highlighted the breadth of the partnership between the two nations, encompassing not only economic and trade cooperation but also strategic and cultural ties. The leaders acknowledged the depth of their engagement across sectors, further solidifying the foundation of the Indo-South African relationship.
Collaboration in Multilateral Arenas
In addition to bilateral matters, the leaders discussed their continued collaboration with multilateral bodies. They exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest, underscoring their commitment to working together to address common challenges and promote global stability.
President Ramaphosa conveyed his full support for India’s forthcoming G20 presidency and lauded India’s initiative to grant full membership of the G20 to the African Union. This gesture reflects the strong bonds of cooperation and solidarity between India and African nations.
Forward-looking Engagement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to President Ramaphosa for the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit. The leaders also discussed the possibility of a reciprocal visit, with Prime Minister Modi graciously accepting President Ramaphosa’s invitation to undertake a State Visit to South Africa in the near future.
The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed the deep-rooted friendship between India and South Africa, setting a positive tone for enhanced cooperation across diverse domains in the years to come.
