India advances trade pact with SACU and seeks new date for India‑Africa Summit

India and South Africa met at the BRICS trade ministers’ gathering in Jaipur, where Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and South African Minister Parks Tau discussed concluding a preferential trade agreement between India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The talks, which began in 2008 and stalled over market‑access issues, are being revived with a focus on key minerals, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing cooperation.

Separately, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that New Delhi and the African Union are coordinating to set a new date for the postponed Fourth India‑Africa Forum Summit. The summit was delayed because of the Ebola outbreak, and officials said both sides are in contact to identify a suitable time, underscoring the long‑standing partnership and development cooperation between India and African nations.