India, SA to boost defence, manufacturing sector

The Dollar Business Bureau

Intensifying the traditional bond, South Africa and India agreed to boost their engagement in areas of defence production, mining, manufacturing and minerals. Both the countries vowed to cooperate and combat terrorism.

After holding talks with South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that both the nations can not only join hands to meet the needs of each other, but also can meet the global and regional demands.

Modi, during the meeting, projected India as an attractive place for manufacturing of defence equipment.

Modi expressed his gratitude towards President Zuma for supporting India’s membership to Nuclear Supplies Group, a 48 member-nations group.

India can count onto the active support of its friends like South Africa, said Modi. Emphasising the ties shared between India and South Africa as story of developments and strong achievements, Modi said that there is potential to increase the cooperation in investment and trade in many sectors including mining, minerals, pharmaceuticals, information and technology.

Terrorism, which threatens the safety of the citizens and attacks the foundation of the society, will be jointly battled with high vigilance and cooperation.

Speaking about the opportunities in defence sector, Modi said that Indian and South African firms can pool in their capabilities to develop or manufacture defence equipment.

Beyond economic relations and trade, India and South Africa can partner in areas of security and defence at industrial level and even for strategic and security needs, said Modi.

Modi further stated that India’s defence sector is one among those to witness high transformation with various opportunities to offer.

In an interaction with media, Modi said that his visit to South Africa was an opportunity to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.