Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on 13 September 2026 during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The meeting focused on strengthening ties between the two countries across multiple sectors and addressing shared global concerns.
What was discussed
The two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation between India and South Africa and discussed the multi-layered nature of their strategic partnership. They noted that relations between the countries are anchored in shared historical experiences, cultural bonds, economic collaboration, and strong people-to-people links.
Beyond bilateral matters, Modi and Ramaphosa exchanged perspectives on various international issues of common concern. They committed to maintaining coordinated positions in multilateral forums where both nations participate.
A notable discussion point was the successful movement of cheetahs from South Africa to India as part of a wildlife conservation effort. In light of this project, Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to South Africa to become part of the International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative focused on the protection and management of large cat species across borders.
President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the hospitality provided by India to his delegation and acknowledged the effective hosting of the BRICS Summit by New Delhi.
What this means for you
These discussions signal India’s commitment to deepening partnerships with major African and emerging economies on the world stage. The conversation on wildlife conservation, particularly the cheetah relocation project, reflects efforts to address environmental challenges through international cooperation. For citizens interested in India’s foreign policy and conservation initiatives, the meeting underscores how New Delhi is working to build alliances on both traditional diplomacy and shared ecological concerns.