India, S Africa to deepen ties in defence, manufacturing sectors

India and South Africa agreed to deepen engagement in key areas of defence production, manufacturing, mining and minerals while vowing to cooperate "actively" in combating terrorism and dealing with issues at multilateral forums, ratcheting up their traditional ties.
•    After extensive talks with South African President Jacob Zuma, Prime Minister Narendra Modi projected India as an attractive destination for manufacturing of defence equipment and platforms and said both countries could join hands in not only meeting needs of each other but also to respond to regional and global demand.
•    During the meeting, Modi thanked President Zuma for South Africa's support to India's membership bid to the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
•    Ties between India and South Africa have been a story of strong advances and concrete achievements
•    Potential to ramp up cooperation in trade and investment, especially in areas of minerals and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and information technology.