Indian and Russian foreign ministers focus on expanding dialogue in the SCO, BRICS and G20 in Cape Town

On the margins of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town, the Foreign Ministers of Russia and India praised the dynamic interaction and cooperation on the main important vectors of the privileged strategic partnership between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on expanding dialogue in the SCO, BRICS and the G20. Both Lavrov and Jaishankar have expressed solidarity and willingness to work towards promoting a "just multipolar system of inter-state relations", as reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

Jaishankar is on an official visit to the Republic of South Africa and Namibia from 1-6 June 2023.

In Cape Town, South Africa, the Indian foreign minister attended the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting. He is scheduled to meet Naledi Pandor and Cyril Ramaphosa as well as, 'Friends of BRICS' Ministers. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will interact with representatives of the Indian diaspora in Cape Town.

Following this, the EAM will visit Namibia from 4 to 6 June. This will be the first visit by an External Affairs Minister of India to Namibia.

The EAM's visit to South Africa and Namibia is expected to further strengthen India's strong bilateral relations with these two countries.

It is notable that India and China are actively developing their relations with Africa.

While China has been working in Africa's infrastructure, mining, oil and gas sectors for years, India has been working on training, education and capacity building programmes, which have been very well received by these countries.

India's cabinet had earlier approved the opening of 18 new Indian missions to Africa over a four-year period from 2018 to 2021. The move is seen as an important boost for relations with Africa.

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