As India and South Africa look to reset ties between the two nations, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa says he is ready for his India visit — so much so that he calls it a homecoming.
"The ties between India and South Africa are very historic, they are both political, most enhanced and empowered. I will be going to India in a few days, so it will be almost a homecoming moment for us. We want to strengthen the ties between South Africa and India," president Ramaphosa told WION on Thursday at the sidelines of World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland.
Health and trade are two of the top priorities on the agenda that will be discussed on Ramaphosa's first visit to India as head of state between January 25 and 26. He will be accompanied by nine ministers and a 50-member business delegation.
"We want to promote trade and good relations between the two countries. We also want to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's and Nelson Mandela's life so that it helps us to consolidate our relations. It is almost the glue that binds the two countries together from a historical and a political point of view," Ramaphosa added.
President Ramaphosa is also going to be the guest of honour at India's Republic Day parade on January 26. It's the second time a South African leader will be the chief guest on Republic Day, the last one being Mandela.
On his visit, a roadmap on strategic partnership for the next three years will also be signed between India and South Africa,expected to give a fresh impetus to bilateral trade.
About 1.5 million people of Indian origin live in South Africa and more than 150 Indian companies have invested in that country, employing over 20,000 locals. India is among the top five trading partners of South Africa and bilateral trade increased to $10.65 billion in 2018-19 from $9.38 billion in 2017-18.
During his two-day visit, Ramaphosa will have a meeting and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional and global issues.
Ramaphosa, along with Modi, will also address the India-South Africa Business Forum on January 25 to boost trade ties; will deliver the Gandhi-Mandela Freedom Lecture