Deputy President of South Africa H.E. Mr Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile Meets Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan; Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Bilateral relations

**Executive Summary** On June 2, 2026, the Vice President of India and the Deputy President of South Africa met in New Delhi to reaffirm their commitment to deepening bilateral relations. The discussions focused on trade, investment, defence, and conservation, with a specific emphasis on commencing negotiations for the India–Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Preferential Trade Agreement. Both leaders committed to working together in multilateral forums to advance the priorities of the Global South. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Economic and Trade Relations** * Emphasis on unlocking the full potential of bilateral economic ties and creating a conducive environment for investors. * Call for the early commencement and successful conclusion of negotiations for the India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement. * Focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and skills development. * **Defence and Multilateral Cooperation** * Commitment to expanding defence collaboration, specifically through future editions of the IBSAMAR naval exercise. * Agreement to enhance cooperation within multilateral forums including BRICS, G20, IBSA, and IORA. * Reaffirmation of a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. * **Conservation and Sustainability Initiatives** * Acknowledgement of the successful progress of "Project Cheetah," including the breeding of cheetahs transferred from South Africa. * Request for continued South African cooperation in India’s cheetah reintroduction programme. * Invitation for South Africa to join India-led initiatives: the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). * **Social and Diplomatic Ties** * Focus on strengthening people-to-people ties. * Reaffirmation of joint efforts to support the interests of the Global South. **Impact Analysis** **Government of India** * **Impact:** The meeting reinforces India’s diplomatic and conservation goals, particularly regarding "Project Cheetah" and the expansion of its flagship multilateral alliances (ISA, CDRI, IBCA). * **Action Required:** Indian officials must prepare for the proposed India-SACU trade negotiations and coordinate with South African counterparts on future naval exercises and conservation efforts. **Government of South Africa** * **Impact:** South Africa is positioned as a critical partner in trade, defence, and wildlife conservation; the nation has been formally invited to join three major international sustainability initiatives. * **Action Required:** The South African government needs to consider the invitations to join the ISA, CDRI, and IBCA, and continue its support for the transfer of cheetahs to India. **Businesses and Investors** * **Impact:** Future trade and investment may become easier and more profitable if the proposed Preferential Trade Agreement and conducive business environments are established. * **Action Required:** Relevant stakeholders should monitor the progress of the India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations to prepare for new market opportunities.

Key Entities Referenced