India and South Africa have agreed to accelerate trade cooperation, with both sides discussing the early conclusion of negotiations for a preferential trade agreement…reports Africa Daily News Desk
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held bilateral talks with South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, to strengthen trade and investment ties, with discussions focusing on advancing negotiations for a preferential trade agreement and expanding cooperation in key sectors.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, where both sides reviewed progress on the proposed India-Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and discussed the early conclusion of negotiations.
The ministers also explored opportunities to deepen collaboration in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic engagement between the two countries.
Sharing details of the meeting on X, Goyal said: “Met with Mr. Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition of South Africa, on the sidelines of the #BRICS2026 Trade Ministers’ Meeting. We discussed the signing of ToRs for India-SACU PTA and early conclusion of negotiations, strengthening the India-South Africa trade engagement and explored opportunities for cooperation in the critical minerals, pharmaceuticals & manufacturing sectors.”
The discussions come as India hosts the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting under its BRICS 2026 Presidency, bringing together member countries to enhance trade and economic cooperation, strengthen resilient value chains, promote innovation and support sustainable industrial growth.
India and South Africa share a long-standing strategic partnership covering trade, investment, defence, science and technology, education and cooperation through multilateral forums, including BRICS and the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum.
The proposed India-SACU PTA is expected to further expand market access and strengthen trade between India and the five-member Southern African Customs Union, which comprises South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the SACU Secretariat in Namibia has already shared the Terms of Reference with India’s Department of Commerce, paving the way for formal negotiations.
The latest meeting builds on ongoing economic engagement between India and South Africa and reflects New Delhi’s broader efforts to deepen commercial ties with BRICS partners under its presidency.
