Introduction
The recent elections in South Africa culminated in the re-election of Cyril Ramaphosa as the President. Ramaphosa, who has been in office since 2018, continues to lead the nation amidst significant political and economic challenges. On the other hand, Narendra Modi was also re-elected for the third time as the Prime Minister in India. The re-election of both the leaders is poised to further strengthen the strategic partnership between South Africa and India, fostering economic cooperation, cultural exchange and collaborative efforts in areas such as technology and education.
South Africa established its High Commission in Delhi and opened a Consulate General in Mumbai in April 1994. The strategic partnership between India and South Africa, established in March 1997, represents a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship, shared values, and common aspirations for development and progress. As the two nations commemorated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2023, it provides an opportune moment to reflect on the trajectory of their strategic partnership and explore avenues for deeper collaboration in the years ahead. From joint initiatives at global forums to bilateral engagements spanning trade, defense, education, and technology, the relationship between India and South Africa has evolved into a multifaceted partnership with far-reaching implications for both nations and the broader African continent.
Historical Context
The historical ties between India and South Africa date back centuries, characterized by shared experiences. The solidarity between Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela symbolizes the deep-rooted connection between the two nations, founded on principles of non-violence, social justice, and human dignity. The commemoration of significant milestones such as the 150th anniversary of the first arrival of Indians in South Africa in 2010 and the centenary of Gandhiji’s departure to India in 2014 further underscores the enduring legacy of India-South Africa relations.
Diplomatic Initiatives
Over the past three decades, India and South Africa have forged a robust partnership grounded in principles of solidarity, cooperation, and shared interests. The joint proposal to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in October 2020, advocating for the suspension of intellectual property (IP) on COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics, stands as a testament to their commitment to global health equity and solidarity, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the final decision at the WTO may have diluted the original proposal, the collaborative effort underscored the shared resolve of India and South Africa to address pressing global challenges.
Regular high-level visits mark the relationship, in 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi. The 11th Session of India-South Africa Foreign Office Consultations in August 2022 exemplified the breadth of the strategic dialogue between the two nations, spanning areas such as defense cooperation, trade facilitation, and people-to-people contacts. The support extended by South Africa for India’s G20 Presidency and the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member in the forum reflects the alignment of their interests in shaping global governance and prioritizing the agenda of the ‘South’.
Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation
Bilateral trade between India and South Africa has witnessed significant growth in recent years, reaching approximately US$ 18.87 billion in 2022-23. This robust economic partnership encompasses diverse sectors ranging from vehicles and pharmaceuticals to engineering goods and textiles, reflecting the depth and diversity of their trade relations. Initiatives such as the India-South Africa Business Summit (ISABS) and the India-South Africa CEOs Forum serve as platforms for exploring new avenues of collaboration and investment, with a focus on enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of their economies.
However, despite the progress made, there remain untapped opportunities and areas for growth in India-South Africa trade and economic cooperation. The implementation of existing agreements and the pace of bilateral investment need to be accelerated to realize the full potential of the partnership. Initiatives such as the Gandhi-Mandela Centre of Specialisation for Artisan Skills reflect the commitment of both nations to skill development and capacity-building.
Technology and Innovation
India’s expertise in renewable energy and technology presents a unique opportunity for collaboration in addressing South Africa’s energy challenges. India should consider diversifying its engagement with South Africa beyond conventional sectors to address the challenges faced by the latter. A prime example is South Africa’s severe power crisis, characterized by prolonged electricity blackouts in many cities, lasting up to ten hours. India possesses a range of viable solutions, including solar and energy storage products such as inverters, which are abundantly manufactured within the country.
In an interview with the author, Pranjal Pande, the director of Statcon Energiaa, India’s largest solar manufacturing company in terms of capacity and producer of various power converter solutions shared that the quality and reliability of Indian-made products have significantly improved. Moreover, their pricing is conducive for select developing nations in the African continent, including South Africa. Pande highlights that Statcon Energiaa has observed substantial demand for inverters from South Africa, as well as Nigeria and Tanzania. He further recommended that the government could support companies by providing additional credit to bolster exports and facilitate the expansion of their sales operations overseas. As India leads initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), there is scope for leveraging Indian innovation and investment to bolster South Africa’s energy security and sustainability.
The recent collaboration between the Serum Institute of India and South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare to manufacture vaccines for the African continent also exemplifies the potential for synergy and innovation in addressing pressing global challenges. Moreover, initiatives such as the strategic partnership for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope project in South Africa underscore the potential for collaborative efforts in cutting-edge technology and scientific research.
Defense and Security Cooperation
Defense ties between India and South Africa have emerged as a cornerstone of their strategic partnership, underpinned by shared security concerns and a commitment to regional stability. High-level exchanges and joint military exercises serve to deepen mutual trust and interoperability between their armed forces, enhancing the capacity of both nations to address common security challenges. In January 2019, South African President Ramaphosa visited India with a high-level delegation, and during the visit, both leaders identified skill development, health services, and digitization of governance as priority sectors. Defense ties were also emphasized, with notable interest from South African arms manufacturer Denel. South Africa is a prominent arms producer and besides state-run defence firm Denel, many private South African defence firms are also keen to explore the Indian market. Specific emphasis therefore has been placed on promoting defence and economic cooperation.
People-to-People Contacts
The South African Indian origin community, numbering around 1 million, constitutes a vibrant and integral part of the country’s social fabric. Commemorations such as the 150th anniversary of the first arrival of Indians in South Africa in 2010 and the centenary of Gandhiji’s departure to India in 2014 further highlight the deep historical ties between the two nations. Educational and cultural exchanges between India and South Africa continue to foster mutual understanding and appreciation, nurturing the seeds of friendship and cooperation for future generations.
Charting a Course for a Shared Future
As India and South Africa embark on the next phase of their journey together, they stand poised to shape the contours of a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for their peoples and the broader African continent. By building on past achievements and embracing new opportunities for collaboration, India and South Africa can chart a course towards a more dynamic and interconnected world, guided by the principles of partnership, solidarity, and mutual respect. As they navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global landscape, the strategic partnership between India and South Africa holds the promise of unlocking new avenues of cooperation and fostering a brighter tomorrow for the future generations.