On June 2, 2026, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, hosted the Deputy President of South Africa, H.E. Mr. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This meeting marked Mr. Mashatile’s first visit to India.
**Diplomatic and Historical Relations**
The President characterized the relationship between India and South Africa as a "special friendship" rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a common history of anti-colonial struggle. Key diplomatic milestones and forum collaborations mentioned include:
* **Strategic Partnership:** Formally established in 1997.
* **Multilateral Cooperation:** Continued collaboration through the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the G20 to advocate for the peace and prosperity of the Global South.
* **India-Africa Forum Summit:** India remains committed to its partnership with the continent and intends to work with the African Union Commission to reconvene this summit soon.
**Economic Metrics and Trade**
The leaders discussed the growth of economic ties, noting the following:
* **Bilateral Trade:** Currently valued at approximately **USD 15.5 billion**.
* **Growth Objectives:** Both parties expressed a desire to elevate the trade relationship further by providing a conducive policy environment to facilitate investment and business activities in each other's markets.
**Administrative Information**
* **Release ID:** 2268086
* **Source:** PIB Delhi, President's Secretariat
* **Date/Time of Issue:** June 2, 2026, 6:41 PM
* **Reference Codes:** MJPS/SS/PRK
Key Entities Referenced
Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile: Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa whose visit to India aimed at strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Droupadi Murmu: President of India who hosted the meeting and emphasized the historic Strategic Partnership and trade potential between the two nations.
Strategic Partnership: The foundational bilateral agreement established between India and South Africa in 1997 to govern their multifaceted relationship.
India-Africa Forum Summit: A key multilateral initiative that India and the African Union Commission seek to reconvene to enhance regional cooperation.
African Union Commission: The executive arm of the African Union with which India intends to collaborate to facilitate the India-Africa Forum Summit.
President's Secretariat
DEPUTY PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA CALLS
ON THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA
प्रव तथ: 02 JUN 2026 6:41PM by PIB Delhi
H.E. Mr. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, called on the
President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (June 2, 2026).
Welcoming Deputy President Mashatile on his first visit to India, the President said that India and South
Africa share a special friendship that is both historic and contemporary. Our multifaceted partnership is
founded on shared values and mutual respect. South Africa was the very first country with which India
established a Strategic Partnership in 1997.
The President said that India and South Africa have always been leading voices of the Global South. We
share a common history of anti-colonial struggle. Through our close cooperation in multilateral forums
such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the G20, we seek to promote peace and
prosperity not only for our own peoples but also for the broader Global South.The President was happy to note that the bilateral trade between India and South Africa is about USD 15.5
billion. She said that the potential is much greater, and we should strive to take our trade relationship to a
higher level. We should continue to provide a conducive policy environment that enables companies from
both countries to expand their investments and business activities in each other's markets.
The President said that India remains fully committed to its partnership with Africa and will work closely
with the African Union Commission to reconvene the India-Africa Forum Summit at an early date.
The two leaders agreed that closer cooperation between India and South Africa can bring immense
benefits to our peoples.
***
MJPS/SS/PRK
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