New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 13. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the India-South Africa strategic partnership.
India-South Africa Strategic Partnership Discussed
During the meeting, PM Modi and President Cyril Ramaphosa reviewed progress across diverse areas of cooperation and discussed ways to further strengthen the multifaceted strategic partnership between India and South Africa.
The leaders highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries, which are rooted in shared historical struggles, cultural connections, economic relations and strong people-to-people links.
Cooperation on Global and Multilateral Issues
Prime Minister Modi and President Ramaphosa also exchanged views on a range of global issues of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and cooperation in multilateral forums, including through BRICS.
Their discussions reflected the importance both countries attach to strengthening cooperation on issues of common interest and advancing their engagement through multilateral platforms.
Cheetah Conservation and International Big Cat Alliance
An important element of the conversation was the successful translocation of cheetahs from South Africa to India.
Prime Minister Modi invited South Africa to consider joining the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an India-led initiative focused on the conservation of big cats and their ecosystems.
Ramaphosa Thanks India for BRICS Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also congratulated India on the successful organisation of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The meeting reaffirmed the continued engagement between India and South Africa and the importance of their strategic partnership, particularly through platforms such as BRICS.