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India and South Africa share a long, historically rooted relationship shaped by anti-colonial solidarity, shared democratic values, and growing economic cooperation. At the heart of this partnership is the vibrant Indian diaspora in South Africa, one of the oldest and largest overseas Indian communities in the world.
The Indian presence in South Africa dates back to 1860, when the first group of indentured laborers from India arrived in Natal. Over generations, the community has become deeply integrated into South African society while preserving strong cultural, linguistic, and religious ties to India. This dual affinity has made the diaspora a unique bridge between the two nations.
For months, cricket fans from both nations have awaited the touring South African men’s team with mounting anticipation. The rivalry between the two highly capable squads only underscores a deeper truth – competition on the field strengthens cooperation between the two nations. In 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the African Union to be a permanent member of the G20.
India is South Africa’s largest African trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $19.25 billion in 2023-24. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has called for doubling bilateral trade by 2030, focusing on value addition, technology-driven agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare.
And yet there is clear opportunity for additional trade. India exports vehicles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and textiles while importing gold, coal, copper, and other minerals. South Africa’s critical minerals align with India’s National Critical Minerals Mission. Beyond commerce, both nations have expanded defense collaboration. Healthcare and pharmaceutical collaboration, climate change mitigation, and food security also represent key areas of convergence.
South Africa’s rapidly deepening partnership with India, grounded in historical solidarity, robust economic ties, and shared aspirations for reforming global governance is amplified by the vibrant Indian diaspora that has been integral to South African society for over 160 years.
Diaspora leaders have historically played a role in the anti-apartheid movement and continue to contribute to democratic discourse. Today, India and South Africa cooperate closely on platforms such as BRICS, IBSA, and the G-20. Diaspora advocacy often supports policy dialogues in these forums.
The Indian community in South Africa, numbering over 1.2 million people, represents a unique asset in bilateral relations. Over 165 years, this community has evolved to become integral contributors across business, culture, and civil society. South African Indians maintain strong religious and cultural ties, celebrating festivals, preparing Indian food, supporting cricket, and enthusiastically consuming Bollywood entertainment.
These vibrant cultural exchanges foster personal relationships that underpin broader diplomatic and trade relations. Meanwhile, the diaspora acts as an informal diplomatic channel, nurturing transnational bonds, advancing South-South partnerships, and creating pathways for commerce. During his recent visit to South Africa for the G20 Summit, Prime Minister Modi noted that the enduring bond between India and South Africa continues to grow stronger.
Indian investments in South Africa span pharmaceuticals, IT, automotive, banking, and mining. The diaspora facilitates these investments through local knowledge and established networks. Indiaspora, a nonprofit based in the US, is committed to understanding the community, dedicating substantial time and effort to building relationships with leading members of the Indian diaspora in South Africa. The intersection of South Africa’s presidency, the India-South Africa partnership, and diaspora engagement creates multiplicative effects amplifying Africa’s voice in global governance.
On debt sustainability, India supports South Africa’s calls for reforming the international financial architecture. Both countries advocate for making multilateral institutions more responsive to developing country needs. India’s Commerce Minister urged African nations to work with India at multilateral platforms like the WTO to create common objectives and influence global decision-making. Both nations face challenges from U.S. tariffs that effectively ended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA’s) preferential access to the American market and imposed 30% tariffs on selected South African exports. These common challenges create imperatives for diversifying trade relationships and strengthening intra-developing country commerce.
India’s rapid economic expansion and technological capabilities complement South African strengths. The diaspora’s role as cultural and economic bridge becomes more valuable as both nations deepen ties, a topic which will be explored further on a global scale at the Indiaspora Forum in March 2026 in Bengaluru.
The next chapter of the India-South Africa strategic partnership has the potential to reshape not just bilateral ties but the global economic order itself toward greater justice, sustainability, and shared prosperity. The partnership with India strengthens South Africa’s hand by demonstrating that developing countries can forge mutually beneficial relationships.
India demonstrated its support for South Africa’s 1991 International Cricket Council (ICC) readmission by becoming the first country to play against this proud cricketing nation. Today, when both teams compete, the victorious team is awarded the prestigious Mandela-Gandhi Trophy, a prize befitting the legacy of the two great leaders it honors. And while we may not agree on which team to support during this series, there is no question that the Indian diaspora serves as living proof that deep, enduring connections can transcend geography and history, thereby strengthening bilateral relationships.
The Indian diaspora is more than a demographic; it is a living bridge that strengthens diplomatic goodwill, economic partnership, and cultural understanding. As both countries deepen cooperation in areas like digital innovation, renewable energy, and multilateral governance, the diaspora will continue to be a vital force connecting India and South Africa.
Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed in this article/column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of South Asian Herald.
