Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s India Visit 2026

Why the Visit Matters

Deputy President Paul Mashatile traveled to New Delhi from 29 May to 3 June 2026 to strengthen the bond between South Africa and India. The trip aimed to turn friendly talks into real projects that help both countries grow.

Key Meetings and Events

Official Courtesy Calls

• Met Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
• Paid a respectful visit to President Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Business Roundtable

Mashatile joined Indian business leaders at the South Africa–India Technology, Trade and Investment roundtable. The discussion focused on boosting investment, sharing technology, and supporting small enterprises.

Historical and Cultural Ties

Both nations share a long history of cooperation:

• Founding members of the Non‑Aligned Movement.
• Active partners in BRICS, IBSA, and IORA.
• Common belief in South‑South collaboration and democratic values.

Mashatile highlighted the warm Indian hospitality, quoting the saying “Atithi Devo Bhavah” – the guest is like God.

Growing Trade and Investment

Trade between the two countries has jumped from about US $4 billion in 2005 to nearly US $20 billion in 2024. Key areas of cooperation include:

• The Square Kilometre Array radio telescope – a joint South‑African‑Indian project.
• Technology, skills, infrastructure, and critical minerals.
• Joint efforts in the G20, BRICS, and IBSA forums.

Flagship Outcomes from the Visit

Three Strategic Priorities

1. Launch an SA–India SMME Industrial Linkage Programme.
2. Start at least two joint technology or pharmaceutical manufacturing projects for African markets.
3. Roll out an SA–India Youth Technology Skills Programme focusing on AI, digital services, and advanced manufacturing.

Details of the Programmes

SMME Industrial Linkage Programme

Created with the Global Trade & Technology Council of India (GTTCI), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). It will:

• Integrate supply chains.
• Encourage co‑production.
• Open joint market access for small and medium enterprises.

Joint Technology and Pharma Projects

Planned focus areas:

• Fintech and digital payments.
• Health technology and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Agricultural tech – precision farming and cold‑chain logistics.
• Data centres, cloud infrastructure, and fibre connectivity to boost Africa’s digital economy.

Youth Technology Skills Programme

Built around university partnerships, youth tech camps, and vocational training that match industry needs. It will prepare young people for jobs in AI, digital services, and high‑tech manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

Mashatile urged moving from dialogue to delivery. By turning the discussed ideas into concrete actions, South Africa and India can build a partnership that honors their shared history and creates new opportunities for trade, innovation, and jobs.

Conclusion

The 2026 visit showed that South Africa and India are ready to deepen their relationship. With clear programmes for small businesses, joint tech ventures, and youth skills training, the two countries are set to turn their long‑standing friendship into real‑world benefits for their people.