Johannesburg, November 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit on Saturday, reaffirming their commitment to deepen strategic ties and jointly strengthen the collective voice of the Global South.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi commended South Africa for bringing together the IBSA leadership and for its role in championing developing nations’ concerns at global forums. The two leaders reflected on the longstanding historical partnership between India and South Africa and expressed satisfaction over the expanding cooperation across sectors.
Focus on Technology, Skills & Emerging Sectors
Both sides reviewed ongoing collaborations in trade, investment, food security, skill development, mining, and youth exchanges. They explored new ways to boost cooperation in frontier sectors such as artificial intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, and critical mineral supply chains.
President Ramaphosa and Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the increasing participation of Indian companies in South Africa’s economy. They agreed to encourage greater bilateral investment, especially in infrastructure modernization, technology, innovation, mining projects, and startup ecosystems.
Wildlife Collaboration & Big Cat Conservation
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for South Africa’s support in translocating cheetahs to India under the Cheetah Reintroduction Project. He invited President Ramaphosa to join the International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative led by India for global conservation of big cat species.
Support for India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship
President Ramaphosa assured full support for India as it prepares to assume the Chairship of BRICS in 2026. He praised India’s leadership at multilateral platforms and reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to working closely with New Delhi.
Acknowledgment of South Africa’s G20 Presidency
Prime Minister Modi appreciated South Africa’s warm hospitality and successful management of the ongoing G20 Summit. He acknowledged the nation’s efforts in carrying forward the outcomes of the New Delhi G20 Summit held in 2023.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela, and senior officials also participated in the discussions.
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