India–South Africa relations - Revision history

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	==Background==		==Background==
	[[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.jpg\|thumb\|Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] and Gauteng Premier [[David Makhura]] at the Gandhi monument, [[Constitution Hill, Johannesburg]]]]		There is a major resident [[India]]n community in South Africa. [[Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi]] (more commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi) had commenced his political-legal career in South Africa, experimenting with [[civil disobedience]] in the 1890s and 1900s, to improve the quality of living of the Indians living there.<ref name="BBC-embrace-2006-09-14">{{cite web \|title=South Africa embraces "cousin" India \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5346626.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-09-14 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> A statue to him was unveiled in [[Pietermaritzburg]] by [[Saurav Ganguly]], the captain of the [[Indian national cricket team]] during the [[2003 Cricket World Cup]].
	There is a major resident [[India]]n community in South Africa. [[Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi]] (more commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi) had commenced his political-legal career in South Africa, experimenting with [[civil disobedience]] in the 1890s and 1900s, to improve the quality of living of the Indians living there.<ref name="BBC-embrace-2006-09-14">{{cite web \|title=South Africa embraces "cousin" India \|url=~~http~~://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5346626.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-09-14 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> A statue to him was unveiled in [[Pietermaritzburg]] by [[Saurav Ganguly]], the captain of the [[Indian national cricket team]] during the [[2003 Cricket World Cup]].

	Indians also contributed to the [[African National Congress]]'s struggle against the Apartheid regime. The Indian government was an outspoken critic of the apartheid-era South African government, refusing to maintain diplomatic relations.<ref name="AT">{{cite web \|title=India pushes people power in Africa \|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IG13Df03.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715163452/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IG13Df03.html \|url-status=unfit \|archive-date=2007-07-15 \|publisher=[[Asia Times]] \|date=2007-07-13 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> India's support evoked goodwill in South Africa and other African countries.<ref name="AT"/>		Indians also contributed to the [[African National Congress]]'s struggle against the Apartheid regime. The Indian government was an outspoken critic of the apartheid-era South African government, refusing to maintain diplomatic relations.<ref name="AT">{{cite web \|title=India pushes people power in Africa \|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IG13Df03.html \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715163452/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IG13Df03.html \|url-status=unfit \|archive-date=2007-07-15 \|publisher=[[Asia Times]] \|date=2007-07-13 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> India's support evoked goodwill in South Africa and other African countries.<ref name="AT"/>

	South African Minister for Human Settlement [[Lindiwe Sisulu]] during a visit to Delhi said "India is our closest ally in the Asian continent" also added "The purpose of this visit is a gesture from the South African government to thank its Indian counterpart for all the help and support it has extended in our struggle for liberation".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-is-closest-ally-in-asia-south-africa/articleshow/45035287.cms\|title=India is closest ally in Asia: South Africa\|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]\|date=4 November 2014\|access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>		South African Minister for Human Settlement [[Lindiwe Sisulu]] during a visit to Delhi said "India is our closest ally in the Asian continent" also added "The purpose of this visit is a gesture from the South African government to thank its Indian counterpart for all the help and support it has extended in our struggle for liberation".<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-is-closest-ally-in-asia-south-africa/articleshow/45035287.cms\|title=India is closest ally in Asia: South Africa\|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]\|date=4 November 2014\|access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref> Both countries established diplomatic relations after the end of apartheid in 1994.

	~~Both countries established diplomatic relations after the end of apartheid in 1994.~~		South African President [[Nelson Mandela]] was awarded the [[Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize]] and [[Bharat Ratna]] by the Indian government. Both nations have also promoted sporting ties, with the [[Indian national cricket team]] and the [[South Africa national cricket team]] frequently exchanging visits and participating in cricket tournaments hosted by either country.

	South African ~~leader~~ [[Nelson Mandela]] was awarded the [[Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize]] and [[Bharat Ratna]] by the Indian government. Both nations have also promoted sporting ties, with the [[Indian national cricket team]] and the [[South Africa national cricket team]] frequently exchanging visits and participating in cricket tournaments hosted by either country.

	==Economic ties==		==Economic ties==
			[[Bilateral trade]] grew exponentially from US$3 million in 1992–1993 to $4 billion in 2005–2006, and the two governments have targeted increasing bilateral trade to $12 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC-embrace-2006-09-14"/><ref name="HB">{{cite web \|title=India-S. Africa trade to cross $12b by 2010 \|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352162100.htm \|publisher=[[The Hindu\|The Hindu Business Line]] \|date=2007-08-23 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> [[Gold bullion]] constitute one-third of India's imports from South Africa, while India polishes and processes [[diamond]]s from South African mines.<ref name="BBC4">{{cite web \|title=India/South Africa trade zone talks \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1447260.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]], Bilaterals.org \|date=2001-07-19 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> South Africa has promoted signing a [[free trade agreement]] with India and the [[Southern Africa Customs Union]] (SACU), which includes [[Botswana]], [[Lesotho]], [[Namibia]] and [[Swaziland\|Eswatini]] along with South Africa.<ref name="AFP">{{cite web \|title=India-South Africa to discuss free trade pact \|url=http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=11219 \|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse\|AFP]], Bilaterals.org \|date=2008-02-21 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref>
	[[Bilateral trade]] grew exponentially from US$3 million in 1992–1993 to $4 billion in 2005–2006, and the two governments have targeted increasing bilateral trade to $12 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC-embrace-2006-09-14"/><ref name="HB">{{cite web \|title=India-S. Africa trade to cross $12b by 2010 \|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352162100.htm \|publisher=[[The Hindu\|The Hindu Business Line]] \|date=2007-08-23 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> [[Gold bullion]] constitute one-third of India's imports from South Africa, while India polishes and processes [[diamond]]s from South African mines.<ref name="BBC4">{{cite web \|title=India/South Africa trade zone talks \|url=~~http~~://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1447260.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]], Bilaterals.org \|date=2001-07-19 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> South Africa has promoted signing a [[free trade agreement]] with India and the [[Southern Africa Customs Union]] (SACU), which includes [[Botswana]], [[Lesotho]], [[Namibia]] and [[Swaziland]] along with South Africa.<ref name="AFP">{{cite web \|title=India-South Africa to discuss free trade pact \|url=http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=11219 \|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse\|AFP]], Bilaterals.org \|date=2008-02-21 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref>

	[[Bharti Airtel]] was scheduled to acquire [[MTN Group\|MTN]] to make one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, and also touted as step in [[South-South cooperation]]. The deal was, however, rejected by the South African government of [[Jacob Zuma]] on the grounds that MTN would not be as South African anymore amid concerns of dual-listing on the Indian and South African stock exchanges.{{Citation needed\|date=November 2010}}		[[Bharti Airtel]] was scheduled to acquire [[MTN Group\|MTN]] to make one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, and also touted as step in [[South-South cooperation]]. The deal was, however, rejected by the South African government of [[Jacob Zuma]] on the grounds that MTN would not be as South African anymore amid concerns of dual-listing on the Indian and South African stock exchanges.{{Citation needed\|date=November 2010}}

	==~~Military ties~~==		== Cultural relations ==

	~~India and South Africa have also developed military cooperation, trading arms and joint exercises like~~ [[~~IBSAMAR~~]]~~, started~~ in ~~2008 between India~~, ~~Brazil, and South Africa and programs to train forces~~.<ref>{{~~cite~~ web\|url=~~http~~://~~articles~~.~~economictimes.indiatimes~~.com/~~2007~~-09-~~10/news/27668318_1_defence~~-~~cooperation~~-~~military~~-to-~~military~~-~~ties~~-~~denel~~\|~~title~~=~~India, South Africa discuss enhanced defence strategy~~\|~~publisher~~=[[~~The Economic Times~~]]\|access-date=~~2013~~-12-07}}</ref>		=== Sports ===
			[[Cricket]] is a major sport played in both countries, with the two often competing at the international level.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2023-01-11 \|title=30 years of India-South Africa relations: Connected with Cricket, Culture, Cuisine \|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/travel-tourism-30-years-of-india-south-africa-relations-connected-with-cricket-culture-cuisine-2943926/ \|access-date=2024-12-15 \|website=Financialexpress \|language=en}}</ref> The Indian game [[kho kho]] is also played to some extent in South Africa, having been brought over by the Indian diaspora.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Mgedezi \|first=Thando \|title=Cradock's Biko re-elected as national Kho Kho president \|url=https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/komani-karoo/cradocks-biko-re-elected-as-national-kho-kho-president-20221024 \|access-date=2024-12-15 \|website=News24 \|language=en-US}}</ref>

	Some analysts have argued that while there are some strategic commonalities between India and South Africa, this has not always translated into common perspectives.<ref>{{cite book\|author=David Brewster\|url= https://www.academia.edu/7992964 \|title=India's Ocean: the Story of India's Bid for Regional Leadership. Retrieved 13 August 2014}}</ref>		==Military ties==
			India and South Africa have also developed military cooperation, trading arms and joint exercises like [[IBSAMAR]], started in 2008 between India, Brazil, and South Africa and programs to train forces.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-09-10/news/27668318_1_defence-cooperation-military-to-military-ties-denel\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213095841/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-09-10/news/27668318_1_defence-cooperation-military-to-military-ties-denel\|url-status=dead\|archive-date=December 13, 2013\|title=India, South Africa discuss enhanced defence strategy\|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]\|access-date=2013-12-07}}</ref> Some analysts have argued that while there are some strategic commonalities between India and South Africa, this has not always translated into common perspectives.<ref>{{cite book\|author=David Brewster\|url= https://www.academia.edu/7992964 \|title=India's Ocean: the Story of India's Bid for Regional Leadership. Retrieved 13 August 2014}}</ref>

	==IBSA==		==IBSA==
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	{{main\|IBSA Dialogue Forum}}		{{main\|IBSA Dialogue Forum}}

	On June 6, 2003 India and South Africa signed an agreement with [[Brazil]], known as the Brasília Declaration, establishing "South-South" cooperation, based on the premise of the three nations being [[regional power]]s of [[South Asia]], [[Southern Africa]] and [[South America]]. The declaration called for extensive tripartite cooperation on strategic, commercial and cultural affairs, development of a tripartite [[free trade agreement]] and a united front in negotiating with Western nations in the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO), calling for [[U.N. Security Council\|reform of the U.N. Security Council]] and supporting each other's bid for [[U.N. Security Council\|permanent membership with veto rights]].<ref name="BBC3">{{cite web \|title=Free trade bid for emerging world \|url=~~http~~://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4863866.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-31 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14">{{cite web \|title=India, Brazil, SA to boost trade \|url=~~http~~://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4860574.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-30 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The [[IBSA Dialogue Forum]] was created to promote cooperation and consensus on issues of trade, poverty alleviation, intellectual property rights, social development, agriculture, climate change, culture, defence, education, energy, health-care, information society, science and technology, peaceful [[Nuclear power\|nuclear energy]], tourism and transport.<ref name="BBC3"/><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14"/> The [[2010 IBSA summit\|fourth summit]] was held in Brasília. The three nations pledged to boost trilateral trade to US$15 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC2">{{cite web \|title=Pranab arrives in South Africa to participate in IBSA meeting \|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=f60b0443-5c79-47a8-a377-3f995302c99e&&Headline=Pranab+arrives+in+South+Africa+for+IBSA+meeting \|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] \|date=2008-05-11 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}{{dead link\|date=August 2021\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}</ref> The three nations have also expanded military cooperation and conducted joint naval exercises in 2008.<ref name="BBC2"/>		On June 6, 2003 India and South Africa signed an agreement with [[Brazil]], known as the Brasília Declaration, establishing "South-South" cooperation, based on the premise of the three nations being [[regional power]]s of [[South Asia]], [[Southern Africa]] and [[South America]]. The declaration called for extensive tripartite cooperation on strategic, commercial and cultural affairs, development of a tripartite [[free trade agreement]] and a united front in negotiating with Western nations in the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO), calling for [[U.N. Security Council\|reform of the U.N. Security Council]] and supporting each other's bid for [[U.N. Security Council\|permanent membership with veto rights]].<ref name="BBC3">{{cite web \|title=Free trade bid for emerging world \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4863866.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-31 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14">{{cite web \|title=India, Brazil, SA to boost trade \|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4860574.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-30 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The [[IBSA Dialogue Forum]] was created to promote cooperation and consensus on issues of trade, poverty alleviation, intellectual property rights, social development, agriculture, climate change, culture, defence, education, energy, health-care, information society, science and technology, peaceful [[Nuclear power\|nuclear energy]], tourism and transport.<ref name="BBC3"/><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14"/> The [[2010 IBSA summit\|fourth summit]] was held in Brasília. The three nations pledged to boost trilateral trade to US$15 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC2">{{cite web \|title=Pranab arrives in South Africa to participate in IBSA meeting \|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=f60b0443-5c79-47a8-a377-3f995302c99e&&Headline=Pranab+arrives+in+South+Africa+for+IBSA+meeting \|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] \|date=2008-05-11 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}{{dead link\|date=August 2021\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}</ref> The three nations have also expanded military cooperation and conducted joint naval exercises in 2008.<ref name="BBC2"/> South Africa and India Conclude Historic Cheetah Reintroduction Agreement: Over 100 Cheetahs to be Transferred in Decades to Come.<ref>{{cite web \|title=South Africa and India Conclude Historic Cheetah Reintroduction Agreement: Over 100 Cheetahs to be Transferred in Decades to Come'\|url=https://www.rwmedia.tech/2023/01/South-Africa-and-India-Conclude-Historic-Cheetah-Reintroduction-Agreement-Over-100-Cheetahs-to-be-Transferred-in-Decades-to-Come.html \|website=Rwmedia \|access-date=30 January 2023 \|language=en \|date=30 January 2023}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==
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	[[Category:India–South Africa relations\| ]]		[[Category:India–South Africa relations\| ]]
	[[Category:Bilateral relations of South Africa]]		[[Category:Bilateral relations of South Africa]]
	[[Category:~~Africa–India~~ relations\|South Africa]]		[[Category:India–Africa relations\|South Africa]]
	[[Category:India and the Commonwealth of Nations]]		[[Category:India and the Commonwealth of Nations]]
	[[Category:South Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations]]		[[Category:South Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations]]
	[[Category:Bilateral relations of India\|South Africa]]		[[Category:Bilateral relations of India\|South Africa]]

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← Older revision		Revision as of 21:08, 26 May 2022
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	~~{{Short description\|1=Diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of South Africa}}~~
	~~{{Original research\|date=November 2010}}~~

	{{Infobox bilateral relations\|Indo-South African\|India\|South Africa\|filetype=svg}}		{{Infobox bilateral relations\|Indo-South African\|India\|South Africa\|filetype=svg}}

	The bilateral relations between the [[India\|Republic of India]] and the [[South Africa\|Republic of South Africa]] have grown strong since the end of [[apartheid]] in South Africa in 1994. Both countries have since developed close strategic, cultural and economic ties. Both are former British colonies and full member states of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] as [[Commonwealth ~~republic~~]]s.		The bilateral relations between the [[India\|Republic of India]] and the [[South Africa\|Republic of South Africa]] have grown strong since the end of [[apartheid]] in South Africa in 1994. Both countries have since developed close strategic, cultural and economic ties. Both are former British colonies and full member states of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] as [[republics in the Commonwealth of Nations\|republics]].<ref>David M. Malone, C. Raja Mohan, and Srinath Raghavan, eds. ''The Oxford handbook of Indian foreign policy'' (2015) [https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Handbook-Indian-Foreign-Policy/dp/0198799063/ excerpt] pp 552–565.</ref>

	~~India and South Africa also share an extensive energy partnership~~. ~~In 2010~~, ~~India imported 1~~.~~4 million tonnes of South African coal in February~~, ~~making it the largest purchaser~~ of ~~coal from the country.<ref>~~[https://~~web~~.~~archive~~.~~org/web~~/~~20120517065802~~/~~http:~~//af.~~reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE6290QT20100310 India, China take 50 pct of S.Africa Feb coal]~~</ref> ~~Ties with further solidified with South Africa's 2011 acceptance into the [[BRICS]] group.~~


			India and South Africa also share an extensive energy partnership. In 2010, India imported 1.4 million tonnes of South African coal in February, making it the largest purchaser of coal from the country.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120517065802/http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE6290QT20100310 India, China take 50 pct of S.Africa Feb coal]</ref> Ties were further solidified with South Africa's 2011 acceptance into the [[BRICS]] group.

	==Background==		==Background==
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	==Military ties==		==Military ties==

	India and South Africa have also developed military cooperation, trading arms and joint exercises and programs to train forces.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-09-10/news/27668318_1_defence-cooperation-military-to-military-ties-denel\|title=India, South Africa discuss enhanced defence strategy\|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]\|access-date=2013-12-07}}</ref>		India and South Africa have also developed military cooperation, trading arms and joint exercises like [[IBSAMAR]], started in 2008 between India, Brazil, and South Africa and programs to train forces.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-09-10/news/27668318_1_defence-cooperation-military-to-military-ties-denel\|title=India, South Africa discuss enhanced defence strategy\|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]\|access-date=2013-12-07}}</ref>

	Some analysts have argued that while there are some strategic commonalities between India and South Africa, this has not always translated into common perspectives.<ref>{{cite book\|author=David Brewster\|url= https://www.academia.edu/7992964 \|title=India's Ocean: the Story of India's Bid for Regional Leadership. Retrieved 13 August 2014}}</ref>		Some analysts have argued that while there are some strategic commonalities between India and South Africa, this has not always translated into common perspectives.<ref>{{cite book\|author=David Brewster\|url= https://www.academia.edu/7992964 \|title=India's Ocean: the Story of India's Bid for Regional Leadership. Retrieved 13 August 2014}}</ref>
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	{{main\|IBSA Dialogue Forum}}		{{main\|IBSA Dialogue Forum}}

	On June 6, 2003 India and South Africa signed an agreement with [[Brazil]], known as the Brasília Declaration, establishing "South-South" cooperation, based on the premise of the three nations being [[regional power]]s of [[South Asia]], [[Southern Africa]] and [[South America]]. The declaration called for extensive tripartite cooperation on strategic, commercial and cultural affairs, development of a tripartite [[free trade agreement]] and a united front in negotiating with Western nations in the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO), calling for [[U.N. Security Council\|reform of the U.N. Security Council]] and supporting each other's bid for [[U.N. Security Council\|permanent membership with veto rights]].<ref name="BBC3">{{cite web \|title=Free trade bid for emerging world \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4863866.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-31 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14">{{cite web \|title=India, Brazil, SA to boost trade \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4860574.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-30 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The [[IBSA Dialogue Forum]] was created to promote cooperation and consensus on issues of trade, poverty alleviation, intellectual property rights, social development, agriculture, climate change, culture, defence, education, energy, health-care, information society, science and technology, peaceful [[Nuclear power\|nuclear energy]], tourism and transport.<ref name="BBC3"/><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14"/> The [[2010 IBSA summit\|fourth summit]] was held in Brasília. The three nations pledged to boost trilateral trade to US$15 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC2">{{cite web \|title=Pranab arrives in South Africa to participate in IBSA meeting \|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=f60b0443-5c79-47a8-a377-3f995302c99e&&Headline=Pranab+arrives+in+South+Africa+for+IBSA+meeting \|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] \|date=2008-05-11 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The three nations have also expanded military cooperation and conducted joint naval exercises in 2008.<ref name="BBC2"/>		On June 6, 2003 India and South Africa signed an agreement with [[Brazil]], known as the Brasília Declaration, establishing "South-South" cooperation, based on the premise of the three nations being [[regional power]]s of [[South Asia]], [[Southern Africa]] and [[South America]]. The declaration called for extensive tripartite cooperation on strategic, commercial and cultural affairs, development of a tripartite [[free trade agreement]] and a united front in negotiating with Western nations in the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO), calling for [[U.N. Security Council\|reform of the U.N. Security Council]] and supporting each other's bid for [[U.N. Security Council\|permanent membership with veto rights]].<ref name="BBC3">{{cite web \|title=Free trade bid for emerging world \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4863866.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-31 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14">{{cite web \|title=India, Brazil, SA to boost trade \|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4860574.stm \|publisher=[[BBC News]] \|date=2006-03-30 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The [[IBSA Dialogue Forum]] was created to promote cooperation and consensus on issues of trade, poverty alleviation, intellectual property rights, social development, agriculture, climate change, culture, defence, education, energy, health-care, information society, science and technology, peaceful [[Nuclear power\|nuclear energy]], tourism and transport.<ref name="BBC3"/><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14"/> The [[2010 IBSA summit\|fourth summit]] was held in Brasília. The three nations pledged to boost trilateral trade to US$15 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC2">{{cite web \|title=Pranab arrives in South Africa to participate in IBSA meeting \|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=f60b0443-5c79-47a8-a377-3f995302c99e&&Headline=Pranab+arrives+in+South+Africa+for+IBSA+meeting \|publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] \|date=2008-05-11 \|access-date=2008-06-20}}{{dead link\|date=August 2021\|bot=medic}}{{cbignore\|bot=medic}}</ref> The three nations have also expanded military cooperation and conducted joint naval exercises in 2008.<ref name="BBC2"/>

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

			==Further reading==
			* Malone, David M., C. Raja Mohan, and Srinath Raghavan, eds. ''The Oxford handbook of Indian foreign policy'' (2015) [https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Handbook-Indian-Foreign-Policy/dp/0198799063/ excerpt] pp 552–595.

	{{Foreign relations of India}}		{{Foreign relations of India}}

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{{Short description|1=Diplomatic relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of South Africa}}
{{Original research|date=November 2010}}

{{Infobox bilateral relations|Indo-South African|India|South Africa|filetype=svg}}

The bilateral relations between the [[India|Republic of India]] and the [[South Africa|Republic of South Africa]] have grown strong since the end of [[apartheid]] in South Africa in 1994. Both countries have since developed close strategic, cultural and economic ties. Both are former British colonies and full member states of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] as [[Commonwealth republic]]s.

India and South Africa also share an extensive energy partnership. In 2010, India imported 1.4 million tonnes of South African coal in February, making it the largest purchaser of coal from the country.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120517065802/http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE6290QT20100310 India, China take 50 pct of S.Africa Feb coal]</ref> Ties with further solidified with South Africa's 2011 acceptance into the [[BRICS]] group.

==Background==
[[File:Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.jpg|thumb|Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] and Gauteng Premier [[David Makhura]] at the Gandhi monument, [[Constitution Hill, Johannesburg]]]]
There is a major resident [[India]]n community in South Africa. [[Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi]] (more commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi) had commenced his political-legal career in South Africa, experimenting with [[civil disobedience]] in the 1890s and 1900s, to improve the quality of living of the Indians living there.<ref name="BBC-embrace-2006-09-14">{{cite web |title=South Africa embraces "cousin" India |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5346626.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=2006-09-14 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> A statue to him was unveiled in [[Pietermaritzburg]] by [[Saurav Ganguly]], the captain of the [[Indian national cricket team]] during the [[2003 Cricket World Cup]].

Indians also contributed to the [[African National Congress]]'s struggle against the Apartheid regime. The Indian government was an outspoken critic of the apartheid-era South African government, refusing to maintain diplomatic relations.<ref name="AT">{{cite web |title=India pushes people power in Africa |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IG13Df03.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715163452/http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IG13Df03.html |url-status=unfit |archive-date=2007-07-15 |publisher=[[Asia Times]] |date=2007-07-13 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> India's support evoked goodwill in South Africa and other African countries.<ref name="AT"/>

South African Minister for Human Settlement [[Lindiwe Sisulu]] during a visit to Delhi said "India is our closest ally in the Asian continent" also added "The purpose of this visit is a gesture from the South African government to thank its Indian counterpart for all the help and support it has extended in our struggle for liberation".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-is-closest-ally-in-asia-south-africa/articleshow/45035287.cms|title=India is closest ally in Asia: South Africa|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=4 November 2014|access-date=4 November 2014}}</ref>

Both countries established diplomatic relations after the end of apartheid in 1994.

South African leader [[Nelson Mandela]] was awarded the [[Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize]] and [[Bharat Ratna]] by the Indian government. Both nations have also promoted sporting ties, with the [[Indian national cricket team]] and the [[South Africa national cricket team]] frequently exchanging visits and participating in cricket tournaments hosted by either country.

==Economic ties==

[[Bilateral trade]] grew exponentially from US$3 million in 1992–1993 to $4 billion in 2005–2006, and the two governments have targeted increasing bilateral trade to $12 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC-embrace-2006-09-14"/><ref name="HB">{{cite web |title=India-S. Africa trade to cross $12b by 2010 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/08/23/stories/2007082352162100.htm |publisher=[[The Hindu|The Hindu Business Line]] |date=2007-08-23 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> [[Gold bullion]] constitute one-third of India's imports from South Africa, while India polishes and processes [[diamond]]s from South African mines.<ref name="BBC4">{{cite web |title=India/South Africa trade zone talks |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1447260.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]], Bilaterals.org |date=2001-07-19 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> South Africa has promoted signing a [[free trade agreement]] with India and the [[Southern Africa Customs Union]] (SACU), which includes [[Botswana]], [[Lesotho]], [[Namibia]] and [[Swaziland]] along with South Africa.<ref name="AFP">{{cite web |title=India-South Africa to discuss free trade pact |url=http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=11219 |publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]], Bilaterals.org |date=2008-02-21 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref>

[[Bharti Airtel]] was scheduled to acquire [[MTN Group|MTN]] to make one of the world's largest telecommunications companies, and also touted as step in [[South-South cooperation]]. The deal was, however, rejected by the South African government of [[Jacob Zuma]] on the grounds that MTN would not be as South African anymore amid concerns of dual-listing on the Indian and South African stock exchanges.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}

==Military ties==

India and South Africa have also developed military cooperation, trading arms and joint exercises and programs to train forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-09-10/news/27668318_1_defence-cooperation-military-to-military-ties-denel|title=India, South Africa discuss enhanced defence strategy|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=2013-12-07}}</ref>

Some analysts have argued that while there are some strategic commonalities between India and South Africa, this has not always translated into common perspectives.<ref>{{cite book|author=David Brewster|url= https://www.academia.edu/7992964 |title=India's Ocean: the Story of India's Bid for Regional Leadership. Retrieved 13 August 2014}}</ref>

==IBSA==

[[Image:Lulasinghmbeki16092006.jpg|thumb|200px|Indian PM Manmohan Singh with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and South African President [[Thabo Mbeki]].]]

{{main|IBSA Dialogue Forum}}

On June 6, 2003 India and South Africa signed an agreement with [[Brazil]], known as the Brasília Declaration, establishing "South-South" cooperation, based on the premise of the three nations being [[regional power]]s of [[South Asia]], [[Southern Africa]] and [[South America]]. The declaration called for extensive tripartite cooperation on strategic, commercial and cultural affairs, development of a tripartite [[free trade agreement]] and a united front in negotiating with Western nations in the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO), calling for [[U.N. Security Council|reform of the U.N. Security Council]] and supporting each other's bid for [[U.N. Security Council|permanent membership with veto rights]].<ref name="BBC3">{{cite web |title=Free trade bid for emerging world |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4863866.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=2006-03-31 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14">{{cite web |title=India, Brazil, SA to boost trade |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4860574.stm |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=2006-03-30 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The [[IBSA Dialogue Forum]] was created to promote cooperation and consensus on issues of trade, poverty alleviation, intellectual property rights, social development, agriculture, climate change, culture, defence, education, energy, health-care, information society, science and technology, peaceful [[Nuclear power|nuclear energy]], tourism and transport.<ref name="BBC3"/><ref name="BBC-boost-2006-09-14"/> The [[2010 IBSA summit|fourth summit]] was held in Brasília. The three nations pledged to boost trilateral trade to US$15 billion by 2010.<ref name="BBC2">{{cite web |title=Pranab arrives in South Africa to participate in IBSA meeting |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=f60b0443-5c79-47a8-a377-3f995302c99e&&Headline=Pranab+arrives+in+South+Africa+for+IBSA+meeting |publisher=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=2008-05-11 |access-date=2008-06-20}}</ref> The three nations have also expanded military cooperation and conducted joint naval exercises in 2008.<ref name="BBC2"/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Foreign relations of India}}
{{Foreign relations of South Africa}}
{{BRICS}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:India - South Africa Relations}}
[[Category:India–South Africa relations| ]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of South Africa]]
[[Category:Africa–India relations|South Africa]]
[[Category:India and the Commonwealth of Nations]]
[[Category:South Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations]]
[[Category:Bilateral relations of India|South Africa]]