Nishant Bhaiji
NEW DELHI: South Africa is gearing up to celebrate its 29th Freedom Day on April 27. It was over a period of four days – April 26 to 29 in 1994 – that democratic elections were first held in the African nation. This was a significant moment in history as South Africans of all ethnicities were able to vote and treated as equal citizens for the first time. This marked the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new era for the country.
India’s connection with the antiapartheid movement in South Africa goes back over a century, with Mahatma Gandhi’s Satyagraha movement there being an early example. India was at the forefront of the international community in supporting the movement, becoming the first country to sever trade relations with the apartheid government in 1946 and imposing a complete embargo on South Africa.
Diplomatic relations
After talks between the South African Government and the African National Congress (ANC), which was the main opposition party to apartheid, India restored diplomatic relations with the country in 1993, with the establishment of a cultural centre in Johannesburg and the signing of a diplomatic and consular agreement.
South Africa established its High Commission in Delhi and a Consulate General in Mumbai in April 1994. India and South Africa have had a defence co-operation partnership since 1996, which started as an agreement on ‘Co-operation in the field of Defence Equipment’ and was later replaced by ‘Defence Cooperation’.
Indian naval ships and sailing vessels make regular port calls to South Africa, including IN Ships Tarkash and Kolkata’s visit to Cape Town in October 2018 to participate in the 6th IBSA Maritime Exercise. The South African Army also participated in the Multinational Field Training Exercise for African Nations conducted by the Indian Army in March 2019.
Regular communication
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have been in regular communication with each other, discussing co-operation on Covid-19, regional security, BRICS and India’s G20 presidency. Ramaphosa was the Chief Guest at India’s 70th Republic Day celebrations in 2019, and in 2016, former South African President Jacob Zuma attended the BRICS Summit in India. The two countries have also had various ministerial visits and meetings.
India and South Africa have a strong trade relationship with major Indian exports to South Africa including vehicles and components, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods, among others. Major Indian imports from South Africa include gold, steam coal, and other minerals.
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) organises cultural exchange and scholarships in South Africa, while a public-private partnership runs the Shared Histories Festival. Commemorative events for the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhi and 75 years of India’s independence have included cultural programs and walks, as well as planting of trees and painting of portraits.
