India-South Africa India-South Africa 2019

SPECIAL REPORT South Africa hosts the largest population of the Indian Diaspora estimated to be 3 percent of the country’s total population. In a similar vein, it’s very likely that any African walking down the streets of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata would be mistaken to be of South African origin. This is a demonstration of the strength of the Indo-South African relations. More recently these ties have been cemented by frequent contacts between the Indian Prime minister and the South African President. President Ramaphosa in 2019 followed the footsteps of Nelson Mandela to become the second South African head of state to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. However, history shows that the growth of this relationship did not have a linear pattern. It is therefore important that this relationship is more carefully nurtured. Young people should be more speciﬁ cally targeted, especially considering that they constitute two-thirds of the population of India and South Africa. Through cultural exchanges and sports especially cricket, the young generation ought to be reminded of the signiﬁ cance of this long-standing friendship. Furthermore, collaborations should be forged in the management of the blue economy, skill development, and research. Conclusion The India-South Africa relation has an aﬃ rmed foundation in historical ties, cultural affinities and most significantly the two global icons Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Rolihlahla Madiba. As the two countries continue forward to stronger economic positions, both India and South Africa will need to keep in mind constantly that their own bilateral relationship deserves priority and has immense potential that needs to be continuously realised.  *The author is a Ugandan National pursuing MA-International Studies at the Symbiosis School of International Studies, Symbiosis International University. He is also the Chief Africa Coordinator of The Great African Caravan. President Ramaphosa in 2019 followed the footsteps of Nelson Mandela to become the second South African head of state to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. References Bhatia, R. (2018, April 30). gateway House. Retrieved from Gateway house: https://www.gatewayhouse.in/india-south- africa-relations-the-way-forward/ Campbell, H. (2014, January 03). the Patrotic vanguard. Retrieved from the Patrotic vanguard: http://www. thepatrioticvanguard.com/mandela-and- the-african-liberation-struggle History. (2019, January 18). History. Retrieved from History: https://www. history.com/topics/africa/nelson-mandela India Briefi ngs. (2018, June 12). India Briefi ngs. Retrieved from India Briefi ngs: https://www.india-briefing.com/news/ india-south-africa-trade-investment- opportunities-17039.html/ LIEBERFELD, D. (2014, March 14). E-international relations. Retrieved from E-international relations: https://www.e-ir. info/2014/03/14/nelson-mandelas-legacy- for-african-and-international-politics/ MEA. (2017, December 15). Ministry of External Aﬀ airs . Retrieved from Ministry of External Affairs : https://www.mea. gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/36_South_ Africa_December_2017.pdf Mishra, B. (2019, january 25). Observer research Foundation. Retrieved from Observer research Foundation: https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/ india-south-africa-relations-a-perennial- bond-47557/ SHO. (2018, November 21). South african History online. Retrieved from South African History online: https:// www.sahistory.org.za/article/indian-south- africans-timeline-1654-1899 SHO. (2019, january 2019). south African History Online. Retrieved from South African History Online: https:// www.sahistory.org.za/article/indian-south- africans The Indian Express. (2019, January 28). the Indian express. Retrieved from The Indian express: https://indianexpress.com/ article/explained/explained-republic-day- india-south-africa-chief-guest-5556118/ India-South Africa • 2019 • 25

India-South Africa India-South Africa 2019 | Page 25