India and South Africa Strengthen Ties in Critical Minerals and Manufacturing
• India and South Africa have agreed to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing during a meeting between Union Minister Piyush Goyal and South Africa's Minister Parks Tau. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the BRICS 2026 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur, focused on finalizing the India–Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Preferential Trade Agreement. Bilateral trade between India and Africa has grown significantly, reaching Rs. 8.09 lakh crore (US$ 98 billion) in
• Indian investments in Africa have also exceeded Rs. 7.20 lakh crore (US$ 75 billion), primarily in telecommunications, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Impact & Risks
The strengthened partnership is expected to unlock opportunities in healthcare, artificial intelligence, climate technologies, and digital infrastructure. This could boost economic growth and create jobs in both regions. However, delays in finalizing trade agreements and geopolitical tensions could pose risks to the partnership’s progress.
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