South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to India underscored efforts to strengthen strategic and economic cooperation amid global uncertainty…reports Africa Daily News desk
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to India has signalled a renewed effort by both countries to deepen their strategic, economic and diplomatic partnership as they navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The high-level visit highlighted the longstanding relationship between India and South Africa, which has evolved from a shared history of anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggles into a broader collaboration spanning trade, investment, technology and development, according to a report by Business Report.
During his visit to New Delhi, Mashatile held a series of meetings with senior Indian leaders. He was received by Joint Secretary for East and Southern Africa Janesh Kain and paid a courtesy call on President Droupadi Murmu.
The South African Deputy President also met Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, with both sides reviewing avenues to expand trade and strengthen diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Mashatile later held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The Ministry of External Affairs described the visit as an opportunity to reinforce and provide fresh momentum to the strategic partnership between India and South Africa.
The discussions took place against the backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, volatility in energy markets and uncertainty in global trade. Concerns over oil supply routes and changing tariff policies have prompted many developing economies to seek stronger cooperation through South–South partnerships.
India and South Africa already maintain substantial economic ties across a range of sectors, including information technology, mining, infrastructure, automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and heavy machinery.
Indian investments in South Africa are estimated at around $10 billion, with more than 150 Indian companies operating in the country. Major Indian firms with a presence in South Africa include the Tata Group, Mahindra, Vedanta, Jindal, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, Zensar and Tech Mahindra.
The India Business Forum remains a key platform for commercial engagement between the two countries. According to the report, the forum has more than 91 members and supports investments exceeding R50 billion while providing employment to over 22,000 South Africans.
Business leaders and officials view the forum as an important mechanism for strengthening commercial ties and encouraging investment flows between the two economies.
During the visit, the South African delegation emphasised the importance of manufacturing-led investments and value addition in key sectors. Particular attention was given to critical minerals such as platinum group metals, manganese and vanadium, alongside opportunities in pharmaceuticals and renewable energy technologies.
Both sides also discussed expanding cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises through a proposed South Africa–India SMME Industrial Linkage Programme. The initiative is expected to support supply chain integration, co-production opportunities and improved market access for businesses in both countries.
The visit is being seen as a significant step towards expanding economic collaboration and strengthening strategic engagement between two of the leading economies of the Global South.
