The 79th Independence Day of India was celebrated with great enthusiasm at India House, Pretoria. Around 200 members of the Indian community and friends of India gathered for the National Day flag-hoisting ceremony, marked with pride and patriotism. His Excellency Mr Prabhat Kumar said the occasion was an opportunity to honour the freedom fighters and reaffirm India’s commitment to building a stronger and more self-reliant nation. Cultural performances added to the festivities, showcasing Indian traditions and patriotic spirit.

A National Day Reception was also hosted by the High Commission of India on 15 August 2025 at the High Commission in Pretoria. The Honourable Soloman Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, attended as guest of honour, representing the Government of South Africa. Members of the diplomatic corps, the Indian diaspora, and friends of India were also present.

The friendship between India and South Africa is deeply rooted in a shared history of resilience against colonial oppression, inspired by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela who stood for justice, dignity, and equality. This legacy continues today through robust political, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.

The collaboration between the two nations spans multilateral platforms including the United Nations, BRICS, IBSA, and the G20. This year, as South Africa presides over the G20, India has actively supported its efforts to shape a fairer and more inclusive global agenda, amplifying the voice of the Global South.

Political ties remain on the rise. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar visited South Africa in February 2025 for the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting and called on President Cyril Ramaphosa. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita visited in July 2025 to attend the G20 Development Ministerial. Minister Malatsi, who attended the reception, also visited India in October 2024. This was followed by a 25-member South African intergovernmental delegation in December 2024 to explore digital public infrastructure partnerships. A second Joint Working Group on ICT met in Pretoria in March 2025 to advance cooperation in this field.

On the energy front, the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg hosted the Matla-Urja Conference in November 2024. It brought together leaders, public sector companies, financiers, and academics from both countries. Agreements included collaboration between Eskom and India’s NTPC on power plant modernisation, as well as an MoU between the Africa Energy Leadership Centre and India’s National Power Training Institute to train South African youth in the energy sector.

Cooperation has also expanded in small business and skills development. India agreed to maintain the Gandhi-Mandela Centre for Artisan Skills in Pretoria for three more years, owing to its success in training South African youth in trades such as electrical work, boiler-making, and mechanical fitting. Plans are underway to replicate the centre in Majuba, KwaZulu-Natal.

Trade relations remain strong, with bilateral trade reaching 18 billion US dollars. In March 2025, the High Commission hosted the India–South Africa Business Conclave in Pretoria, where an MoU was signed between the CII India Business Forum and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Defence cooperation also deepened, with joint naval exercises, high-level visits, and the signing of an MoU on submarine rescue coordination.

Cultural and people-to-people links thrived as well. The International Yoga Conference in Durban, the Indian Film Festival in Johannesburg, and the successful cheetah translocation project highlighted the breadth of collaboration. Tourism was also in focus, with South Africa launching the Trusted Tourist Operator Scheme to encourage more Indian travellers.

Reflecting on India’s achievements, Ambassador Kumar stated:
“India today is the fourth largest economy in the world. In the last 30 years we have grown from a 270 billion dollar economy to a 4 trillion dollar economy. As we look ahead to 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, we aspire to become a 30 to 35 trillion dollar economy. That is the largest ever economic opportunity. Let me affirm: India is open. India is ready. We invite South Africa and other friendly nations to join us in this transformative journey.”

The evening concluded with a celebratory toast, vibrant cultural performances, and a feast of traditional Indian cuisine enjoyed by all guests.

by Marion Kate