Africa-Press – South-Africa. South Africa is looking to strengthen its economic and technological ties with India, reflecting the growing importance of cooperation among countries in the Global South amid increasing international competition for investments and modern technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence.
This initiative emerged during high-level discussions held in the Indian capital, New Delhi, between South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing the strategic partnership and transforming it into tangible economic and developmental gains.
Trade and Investment as Top Priorities
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, infrastructure development, and digital transformation, alongside supporting small and medium-sized enterprises as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
Officials emphasized that the historical relations between the two countries provide a strong foundation for advancing economic cooperation, especially as South Africa seeks to attract more foreign investments and diversify its trading partners.
Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
One of the key areas of new cooperation involves enhancing the partnership in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies, which are viewed as the main drivers of the global economy in the coming decades.
Both sides also agreed to expand scientific and technological cooperation through the exchange of expertise and knowledge and to strengthen research partnerships between academic and scientific institutions in both countries.
Collaboration in Renewable Energy and Skill Development
South Africa has shown particular interest in leveraging Indian expertise in renewable energy, green hydrogen technologies, and digital transformation, in addition to skill development programs to prepare human resources for the demands of future industries.
The parties also reviewed existing collaboration models in scientific research and astronomy, emphasizing the importance of expanding these partnerships in the coming years.
A Message from the Global South
Analysts believe that the increasing rapprochement between South Africa and India reflects a broader trend among Global South countries toward building stronger and more independent economic and technological alliances in light of geopolitical and economic changes.
The biggest challenge facing Pretoria remains the conversion of these diplomatic understandings into real investments, innovative projects, and job opportunities that contribute to economic growth and improve living standards within the country.
