Parliament, Wednesday, 12 November 2025 – As South Africa prepares to host leaders from across the world for the G20 Summit, we stand at a historic juncture, hosting the world’s premier forum for global economic cooperation. This mantle is not just a diplomatic triumph but a clarion call for the Global South to shape a more equitable world order.
From my viewpoint in Parliament’s International Relations Committee, I see this as an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice, and none more so than our enduring partnership with India.
My friends of Indian origin here in South Africa are abuzz with excitement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s impending fourth visit during his tenure – following trips in 2014, 2015 and 2018 – signals his unwavering commitment to deepening India–SA ties. It’s a homecoming of sorts, evoking Mahatma Gandhi’s transformative years in our land, where he forged his philosophy of non-violence amid our shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
Our bilateral bonds, rooted in that anti-apartheid solidarity, have flourished since 1994’s democratic dawn. India was among the first to establish full diplomatic relations, channelling aid and expertise during our transition. In March 1997, the Red Fort Declaration established a strategic partnership between our two countries – India’s first strategic partnership.
This momentum consolidated through multilateral forums: the India–Brazil–South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA) in 2003, fostering trilateral cooperation on trade and development; and BRICS in 2009, where we’ve championed reforms in global finance. Economically, bilateral trade has surged to over $18 billion, with Indian investments in renewables, pharmaceuticals and ICT bolstering our growth.
Few gestures capture the spirit of India–South Africa friendship as vividly as when President Cyril Ramaphosa extended heartfelt birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month. “Modi is our mutual friend,” Ramaphosa observed. Modi, in turn, affectionately calls him “my friend President Ramaphosa”, affirming that “India and South Africa are steadfast partners.”
Yet, to future-proof these ties, we must broad-base them with technology at the core. South African tech entrepreneurs should actively engage Indian counterparts – leveraging India’s scale in AI, fintech and startups for mutual innovation. Imagine collaborative hubs driving digital inclusion across the continent.
After a brief post-pandemic hiatus, global geopolitics has turned volatile – wars, supply chain fractures and climate crises demand resilience. India and South Africa need each other more, not less: as anchors of the South, our alliance fortifies multipolarity. Our shared history, our mutual democratic values, our strategic locations at the Indian Ocean nexus – these give us a natural platform to act together.
As President Ramaphosa remarked at a business forum: “Trade that is led by investments is where our future growth lies.” We must transform our friendship into a future-proof partnership built on technology, innovation and shared global purpose. Let the G20 be the catalyst for this bold vision.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Ms Sureshinee Govender
Cell: 081 704 1109
Email: sgovender@parliament.gov.za
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