The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, undertook a Working Visit to India from 29 May to 3 June 2026. He is the second South African Deputy President to visit India; the previous official visit by a Head of State from South Africa was in January 2019, when President Cyril Ramaphosa was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations.
The Deputy President was accompanied by Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health; Stella Ndabeni, Minister of Small Business Development; Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Dr Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; and Mondli Gungubele, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies.
Upon arrival, Deputy President Mashatile stated, “The visit to India aims to strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and India, building on a foundation of solidarity and shared developmental priorities. The focus is on promoting South Africa as a competitive investment destination to encourage Indian investments in key sectors, enhancing trade partnerships and supporting job creation and inclusive economic growth through investment-led partnership.”
The visit aimed to advance bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, healthcare, science and technology, digital innovation, and small business development. Both countries are members of several multilateral formations, reflecting their commitment to the development of the Global South, including the Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS, the India–Brazil–South Africa Dialogue Forum, the G20, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.
On 2 June, Deputy President Mashatile met External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. EAM Jaishankar posted, X: “Appreciate his strong commitment to deepening our longstanding partnership. Discussed opportunities in trade, investments, MSMEs, digital, and infrastructure domains.” He added that “India and South Africa must work closely in international forums.”
Deputy President Mashatile also met Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The Vice President’s Office posted on X: “The two leaders held productive discussions on further strengthening India–South Africa bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, defence cooperation, skills development, and enhancing people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on advancing the priorities of the Global South and enhancing cooperation in multilateral forums.”
Deputy President Mashatile also called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Deputy President Mashatile posted on X, outlining the key outcomes of the working visit to India as follows:
- Reaffirmation and resetting of the Strategic Partnership between South Africa and India, anchored in shared prosperity and innovation.
- Commitments by Indian industry leaders to expand investments in South Africa, particularly in clean energy, pharmaceuticals, ICT, and automotive components.
- Progress on trade facilitation, including India’s notification of in-transit cold treatment for South African citrus exports, a milestone for South African agricultural producers.
- Strengthened cooperation in multilateral forums, with alignment on reforming global institutions and advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063 alongside India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
- Enhanced people-to-people ties, recognising the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two nations.
The delegation subsequently proceeded to Hyderabad to engage with leaders in the pharmaceuticals and information technology industries before departing on 3 June.
