In a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties, an Indian delegation visited Pretoria, South Africa, for the second session of the India-South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI) held on April 22–23, 2025. The nine-member team from India engaged in warm and constructive discussions with their South African counterparts, with a shared vision of deepening economic cooperation and building stronger bridges between the two nations.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director of Bilateral Trade Relations from South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and Ms. Priya Nair, Economic Adviser from India’s Department of Commerce. The Indian delegation included officials from the High Commission of India in South Africa, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Conversations during the session reflected a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. Both sides discussed several key sectors for collaboration including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, MSMEs, and jewelry manufacturing. Important issues such as improving market access for agricultural products, recognizing Indian Pharmacopoeia standards, and enabling local currency settlements and faster payment systems were also addressed.
The revival of the CEO Forum and progress on the India-Southern African Customs Union Preferential Trade Agreement (India-SACU PTA) were among the prominent topics discussed, underlining the shared commitment to expanding economic engagement.
Both countries took stock of the recent developments in trade and investment and acknowledged the significant untapped potential that exists. South Africa continues to be India’s largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching USD 19.25 billion in 2023–24. Indian investments in South Africa have crossed USD 1.3 billion since April 2000, spanning industries like IT, automotive, pharmaceuticals, banking, and mining.
The outcome of the talks echoed the spirit of cooperation and the enduring friendship that has long defined India-South Africa relations. With a positive and forward-looking outlook, both nations appear committed to nurturing this important partnership for the benefit of their people and economies.
