PM Modi is on a four-nation tour to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya.
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Upon the Prime Minister’s arrival in Pretoria on Thursday, MEA officials expressed hope that his visit to South Africa could serve as a chance to kick-start what could be the next round of talks for India’s membership bid to the NSG. “He went to South Africa as a lawyer seeking work and returned to India as a strong voice for humanitarian values, who would go on to shape the history of humankind”, he added. Modi’s July 2016 tour will revisit agreements made during the summit.
He will also attend a meeting with Indian and South African CEOs after which he will visit Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.
This will be the first prime ministerial visit from India to that East African country since the visit of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981.
This will be followed by delegation-level talks, a signing of agreements and an issue of a joint statement.
“Beginning my Africa tour with a visit to Mozambique”.
Unsurprisingly, Modi is interested in Africa’s raw materials.
South Africa remains undecided as to whether to support India’s bid, but has expressed concerns about the setting of a precedent if the group includes non-signatories of the NPT.
Underlining that India and Mozambique “face similar challenges” as the developing countries, Mr. Modi told Nyusi: “We will be a trusted friend in your development and a reliable partner in ensuring a bright and secure future for our people”.
Nkoana-Mashabane said one of the key objectives of Modi’s visit would be to enhance commercial and business relations with India and to promote private sector-to-private sector contact. Both China and India have established roles as increasingly important powers in sub-Saharan African trade and development.
Its economic footprint in Africa is dwarfed by that of China, whose trade with the continent topped $200 billion a year ago.
The prime minister will also be interacting with the Kenyan student community.
“(Relations between India and Africa) are like the two banks of the river which are apart but never separate. As India’s economy has grown, its role as a global power and emerging donor have come to the fore in shaping 21st century geopolitics.
Talking on India-Mozambique ties, Modi said, “Our shared struggles and suffering under colonial oppression brought our two countries together”.
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Michelle DeFreese is an International Research Fellow (Africa Region) with the Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP).
