How will PM Modi and President Ramaphosa strengthen India-South Africa relations during the G20 Summit?
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Synopsis
As the G20 Summit approaches, leaders from India and South Africa are gearing up to strengthen their partnership. President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Modi's discussions promise to explore new avenues for cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchanges, emphasizing the deep historical ties that unite their nations.
Key Takeaways
- India and South Africa to discuss new areas of collaboration during G20 Summit.
- Focus on enhancing trade, security, and cultural ties.
- Both countries share a rich historical relationship dating back to the struggle against apartheid.
- Participation in global initiatives like BRICS highlights their commitment to the Global South.
- Successful bilateral cooperation can reshape their international partnerships.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (NationPress) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a comprehensive agenda prepared for their upcoming bilateral discussions scheduled for next week, which will be conducted during the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, as disclosed by Anil Sooklal, the South African High Commissioner to India, in an exclusive interview with IANS on Saturday.
The G20 Leaders' Summit is slated for November 22 and 23 in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic center. The meeting between President Ramaphosa and PM Modi is expected to not only review the current status of their bilateral ties but also explore new avenues for collaboration in sectors such as security and people-to-people relations.
"India was among the first nations to back our fight against apartheid and support our liberation movement. Since our transition to democracy in 1994, our relationship has flourished significantly. India ranks as our third-largest trading partner and is one of our most vital global associates. We share a profound foundation that strengthens our ties. The collaboration we have in the multilateral sphere, particularly in terms of bilateral trade, is dynamic and continues to expand.
"I am confident that when Prime Minister Modi and President Ramaphosa convene for their bilateral discussions next week, they will evaluate the state of our relationship while also identifying new paths for deeper cooperation in critical areas such as security, cultural interchange, trade, and investment. As you are aware, sports and culture play a significant role in fortifying the connections between our nations," Sooklal informed IANS.
He emphasized that the partnership between India and South Africa is rooted in a shared historical background and remains a significant relationship.
"As prominent nations of the Global South, India and South Africa have both endured the effects of exploitation and colonialism, emerging from challenging pasts. Today, we stand as leading members of the Global South. We participate in numerous Global South initiatives. BRICS serves as an essential platform where we collaborate with our fellow BRICS nations. Additionally, when Prime Minister Modi visits South Africa next week, he will not only attend the G20 Summit but will also engage in a summit of IBSA, the India-Brazil-South Africa grouping, which serves as another critical platform for the Global South, consisting of three vibrant democracies that have been collaborating for over two decades," Ambassador Sooklal highlighted.
"We also maintain close collaboration with India in climate change discussions, as part of the basic group, and we work together within the global multilateral framework, including the WTO and the UN system. However, at the bilateral level, as I mentioned, we have a shared history," he added.
On Thursday, while addressing an audience in Kliptown, Ramaphosa stated that South Africa is prepared to warmly welcome world leaders and ensure a successful gathering, as the majority of G20 leaders have confirmed their participation.
Point of View
The bilateral meeting between India and South Africa during the G20 Summit signifies a crucial moment in enhancing global collaboration. It showcases the enduring ties built on shared history and mutual respect, which are vital for both nations as they navigate contemporary challenges together. The focus on expanding cooperation across various sectors underlines the importance of fostering strong international relations.
NationPress
15/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Modi-Ramaphosa meeting?
The meeting aims to review the current state of India-South Africa relations and explore new areas for collaboration, particularly in trade, security, and cultural exchanges.
When is the G20 Summit scheduled?
The G20 Leaders' Summit is set to take place on November 22 and 23 in Johannesburg.
Why is the India-South Africa partnership significant?
The partnership is rooted in a shared history and has evolved since the end of apartheid, with India being a key supporter during South Africa's liberation struggle.
What topics will be discussed during the bilateral meeting?
Topics include security cooperation, trade and investment, cultural cooperation, and enhancing people-to-people contact.
What is BRICS and its relevance?
BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, facilitating collaboration on various global issues.
