South Africa and India strengthen strategic partnership during high-level talks in New Delhi

South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic ties with India following high-level discussions between Deputy President Paul Mashatile and India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during an official visit to New Delhi, reports ANI, a TV BRICS partner.

Speaking during the talks, Mashatile described India as a key partner and emphasised the historical connections that have shaped relations between the two nations. The South African Deputy President reiterated Pretoria’s commitment to advancing the objectives of the bilateral strategic partnership, stressing that closer cooperation can contribute to economic growth, job creation and efforts to address social inequality.

Both sides agreed that the strong political ties between India and South Africa should be matched by deeper engagement in economic and development sectors. Discussions focused on opportunities to expand collaboration in trade, investment, digital transformation, infrastructure development and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

During his visit, Mashatile also explored aspects of India’s cultural and entrepreneurial landscape, including initiatives supporting traditional crafts, innovation and small business development. The trip is expected to provide fresh momentum to India–South Africa relations and pave the way for new areas of cooperation in the years ahead.

Recently, India and South Africa have agreed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and other emerging technologies, signalling a new phase in bilateral scientific and technological engagement aimed at addressing development challenges and driving innovation-led growth.

The decision was reached during talks in New Delhi between India's Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, who led a high-level delegation to the Indian capital.
South Africa also expressed interest in broadening collaboration in renewable energy, hydrogen technologies, digital transformation and skills development. Both sides emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional links and promoting knowledge exchange across strategic sectors.

The meeting further reviewed ongoing cooperation in astronomy, which is expected to enhance scientific research capabilities and deepen collaboration between participating nations. Experts believe that the visit forms part of broader efforts by both countries to strengthen their partnership at a time of growing cooperation among Global South nations.