Modi, Ramaphosa vow to deepen India-South Africa ties

New Delhi: Visiting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks in New Delhi on Friday to increase cooperation between the two nations following which an agreement on a “three-year strategic programme of cooperation” from 2019-21 was inked between the two nations. PM Modi said all aspects of the strong bilateral ties were discussed.

Describing India as a “strategic partner” and the talks as “fruitful”, the South African President said he wants to extend the relationship with India to a “higher level” and spoke of cooperation in sectors such as “defence procurement, technology, financial services, agro-processing and mining”.

Mr Ramaphosa hailed the contributions of both Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, whom he described as “great icons of our two nations”. The South African President will be the state guest of honour for the Republic Day 2019 celebrations.

In his address, PM Modi pointed out that President Ramaphosa’s visit is taking place in a year when Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated, while Mandela’s 100th birth anniversary was celebrated last year. Mr Modi also spoke about the strong trade ties between the two nations, with more than $10 billion of bilateral trade. He also mentioned that Indian companies are increasing investment in South Africa and that a Gandhi-Mandela Skills Institute would soon be established there at Pretoria.