The subjects discussed also included defence, economic and commercial issues

India and South Africa reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations during the 11th Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi on Wednesday. The discussions included the import of Cheetahs from South Africa for reintroduction in India.

Cheetahs were pronounced extinct in India in 1952 due to illegal hunting and loss of natural habitat. The process of reintroducing cheetahs to India entails re-establishing their population in places where they were once present but were killed to extinction.

This will be made possible through the import of cheetahs from South Africa into India. India has already inked an agreement with Namibia for the reintroduction of Cheetahs in the Kuno-Palpur National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations covering political exchanges, defence, economic and commercial issues, consular matters, cooperation in the field of agriculture, health, energy and minerals, human resource development, art, culture, sports and import of Cheetahs from South Africa for reintroduction in India.

"Both sides also reviewed the status of MOUs/agreements under negotiation and agreed to expedite their finalization for the mutual benefit of both the countries," the MEA added.

In light of the upcoming completion of 30 years of ties between the two countries, it was decided to celebrate the occasion suitably, both in India and South Africa, through cultural and sports events and other activities.

Expressing satisfaction over the growth in bilateral trade which touched $17 billion in 2021-22, the two sides agreed on the importance of further diversifying their trade.

The discussions included regional issues, global developments and issues of common interest including the situation in Ukraine.

India and South Africa also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues including cooperation at the UN, BRICS, IBSA and IORA. "The South African side assured of their support for the upcoming India G20 Presidency while Indian side expressed its support for South Africa’s BRICS Chairship in 2023," the MEA said.

During the talks, two sides agreed to continue high level exchanges and regular meetings of the institutional mechanisms such as the Joint Commission and various Joint Working Groups to keep up the momentum in bilateral relations. The Indian side also reiterated invitation to South Africa to join International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the MEA added.

The Consultations were co-chaired by Joint Secretary (East & Southern Africa), Ministry of External Affairs Puneet R Kundal and Ms. Ntombizodwa Msutukazi Lallie, Acting Deputy Director-General Asia and Middle East, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Consultations at mutually convenient dates in Pretoria.