India–South Africa relations
India |
South Africa |
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The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the 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.[1]
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.[2] Ties were further solidified with South Africa's 2011 acceptance into the BRICS group.
Background
There is a major resident
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.[4] India's support evoked goodwill in South Africa and other African countries.[4]
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".[5]
Both countries established diplomatic relations after the end of apartheid in 1994.
South African leader
Economic ties
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.[9]
Some analysts have argued that while there are some strategic commonalities between India and South Africa, this has not always translated into common perspectives.[10]
IBSA
On June 6, 2003 India and South Africa signed an agreement with
South Africa and India Conclude Historic Cheetah Reintroduction Agreement: Over 100 Cheetahs to be Transferred in Decades to Come.[14]
References
- ^ David M. Malone, C. Raja Mohan, and Srinath Raghavan, eds. The Oxford handbook of Indian foreign policy (2015) excerpt pp 552–565.
- ^ India, China take 50 pct of S.Africa Feb coal
- ^ a b "South Africa embraces "cousin" India". BBC News. 2006-09-14. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ^ a b "India pushes people power in Africa". Asia Times. 2007-07-13. Archived from the original on 2007-07-15. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "India is closest ally in Asia: South Africa". The Economic Times. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- ^ "India-S. Africa trade to cross $12b by 2010". The Hindu Business Line. 2007-08-23. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ^ "India/South Africa trade zone talks". BBC News, Bilaterals.org. 2001-07-19. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ^ "India-South Africa to discuss free trade pact". AFP, Bilaterals.org. 2008-02-21. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ^ "India, South Africa discuss enhanced defence strategy". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2013-12-07.
- ^ David Brewster. India's Ocean: the Story of India's Bid for Regional Leadership. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Free trade bid for emerging world". BBC News. 2006-03-31. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ^ a b "India, Brazil, SA to boost trade". BBC News. 2006-03-30. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
- ^ a b "Pranab arrives in South Africa to participate in IBSA meeting". Hindustan Times. 2008-05-11. Retrieved 2008-06-20.[dead link]
- ^ "South Africa and India Conclude Historic Cheetah Reintroduction Agreement: Over 100 Cheetahs to be Transferred in Decades to Come'". Rwmedia. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
Further reading
- Malone, David M., C. Raja Mohan, and Srinath Raghavan, eds. The Oxford handbook of Indian foreign policy (2015) excerpt pp 552–595.