With Defense Cooperation and Trade in Mind, Modi Woos South Africa

Agreeing to boost defense and trade cooperation, the Indian prime minister thanked South Africa for its support of India’s bid for membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met South African President Jacob Zuma and held extensive talks.

Fruitful meeting with @SAPresident. We had extensive talks on enhancing India-SA cooperation. @PresidencyZA. pic.twitter.com/YFliXsxx7j

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 8 июля 2016 г.

​India and South Africa agreed to deepen engagement in key areas of defense production, manufacturing, mining and minerals. Both the nations also agreed to cooperate actively in combating terrorism.

Projecting India as an attractive destination for manufacturing of defense equipment and platforms Modi asked South Africa to join hands to become a global player in the field of defense production.

Modi also thanked President Zuma for South Africa's support for India's NSG membership bid.

Both India and South Africa agreed that terrorism constitutes a serious threat to international peace and stability and that no country is immune to the threat that terrorism represents. In this regard both leaders noted the need for concerted action by the global community against terrorism.

"Terrorism is another shared threat that puts at risk the safety and security of our people. The President and I agreed that our two nations need to stay vigilant and cooperate actively to combat terrorism both in our region and in the world," Modi said after the talks.

My remarks at the joint press meet with President Zuma. @PresidencyZA @SAPresident https://t.co/IM7zjxB6jx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 8 июля 2016 г.

​Prime Minister Modi emphasized industry-to-industry ties between India and South Africa while addressing India-South Africa Business Meet.

"I am convinced that industry-to-industry ties not only can bring rich economic gains to our societies, they can give a new shape to our partnership, and drive it to new levels," Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi further said that, "There is huge potential to expand our business and investment ties further, especially in the field of mineral and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, high technology manufacturing and information and communication technology."

At India-South Africa Business Meet, shared my thoughts about the need for greater India-SA economic cooperation. https://t.co/27o5eSoeSL

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 8 июля 2016 г.

​Earlier Indian Prime Minister Modi was met with a ceremonial reception in Pretoria.