Context:

• We have shared world view, says Modi.
• India and South Africa agreed on a three-year strategic partnership agreement to boost relations.
• The agreement, signed during the visit of President Cyril Ramaphosa, will cover defence and security, blue economy cooperation and sustainable development.
• At the end of the delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the scope for cooperation.

Working together:

• “Our countries have compatible world views. We have strong partnership in platforms such as the BRICS, the G-20, the Indian Ocean Region Association and the IBSA Dialogue Forum. We can work together for the reform of the UN Security Council,” he said.
• India also invited South Africa to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and congratulated it on securing the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2019-20. A joint statement acknowledged the growing interaction between the Navies of the two countries, and the Indian leader welcomed the South African participation in the India-Africa Field Training Exercise next March.

Common struggle:

• The statement reiterated the role of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) that ensures freedom of navigation by keeping sea lanes free and secure. Speaking at the first IBSA Gandhi-Mandela Freedom Lecture, organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs, Mr. Ramaphosa highlighted the common heritage of struggle and the common aspiration of non-discriminatory national and international politics.
• Why India and South Africa should maintain close relations?
• India and South Africa both are developing countries which means their economy can serve as a source for driving global economy.
• Sharing the benefits of globalisation and best practices in the field of technology and innovations.
• India aspirations to step up cooperation with African countries can be successfully achieved with a strong partner like South Africa.
• We can tap the FDI inflows from South Africa.