India, SA announce 3-yr programme to boost ties in key sectors

India and South Africa on Friday announced a three-year strategic programme to expand ties in several key areas such as defence, maritime security and trade and investment after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The two leaders emphasised on concerted global action to deal with terrorism and called for adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced and integrated manner. They also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations regardless of its motivations, whenever, wherever and committed by whosoever, according to a joint statement. Later, delivering the first edition of Gandhi-Mandela Memorial Freedom Lecture, Ramaphosa said Mahatma Gandhi and anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela wanted to see a world where there was tolerance for each other’s religion, race, caste and regional affiliations. In their talks, the two sides also agreed to conclude an agreement on simplification of visa requirements and expressed intent to explore avenues to resume direct air connectivity between South Africa and India, the statement said. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to working together on strengthening cooperation to address fugitive economic offenders, including through international organisations and institutions such as G20, Financial Action Task Force and others, it said. Both sides also emphasised the need for keeping sea lanes in the Indian Ocean secure against illegal actors, holding that it was key to ensure prosperity of the region. The joint statement said Modi and Ramaphosa expressed concern at the slow pace of UN reforms and committed themselves to securing their representation in an expanded UN Security Council.