PM Modi, South Africa’s Ramaphosa Push For Deeper Trade & Tech Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg on Sunday during the G20 Leaders Summit to deepen bilateral cooperation across commerce, culture, technology and strategic sectors.

The meeting reaffirmed the strong historical ties between the two nations while charting new areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening economic and technological partnerships.

Following the meeting, PM Modi said in a post on X that the discussions covered the ‘full range of the India–South Africa partnership’.

He emphasised enhanced linkages in commerce, culture and investment, along with cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals, skilling and technology innovation.

PM Modi also congratulated President Ramaphosa for South Africa’s successful G20 Presidency.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela and senior officials attended the meeting, reflecting the high-level engagement between both sides.

Strengthening Trade, Technology and People-to-People Ties

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation in trade and investment, food security, skill development, youth exchange and mining.

They expressed satisfaction with the progress made and discussed ways to deepen collaboration in Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and critical minerals—areas increasingly central to global supply chains and future economies.

Both leaders welcomed the growing footprint of Indian companies in South Africa and agreed to encourage mutual investments, particularly in infrastructure, start-ups, technology and innovation-driven sectors.

PM Modi thanked President Ramaphosa for South Africa’s support in relocating cheetahs to India as part of efforts to revive the species in the country.

He extended an invitation for South Africa to join the International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative led by India to promote global conservation of big cats.

The leaders also committed to working together to strengthen the collective voice of the Global South, particularly on issues of equity, development financing and technology access.

PM Modi appreciated South Africa’s initiative in convening the IBSA leaders’ meeting.

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s full support for India’s upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026, underlining the strategic role both nations play in shaping South–South cooperation.

Sharing visuals of the meeting, the South African Presidency noted that the discussion provided an opportunity to re-engage constructively and explore new initiatives across trade, industrialisation, ICT, education and infrastructure.

The meeting highlighted the shared commitment to leveraging technology, investment and innovation to drive sustainable development.

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