Mumbai, Oct 26 — South Africa's Consul General Gideon Labane on Monday said India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are engaged in discussions on a proposed trade agreement, although no final decision has yet been taken on which goods will be covered under the pact.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, Labane said both sides were keen to deepen economic engagement and acknowledged that the absence of a trade agreement had slowed progress in bilateral trade and investment ties.
"Both sides are disappointed that there is still no trade agreement in place. That has made progress slower than we would have liked, but we all understand how government processes can take time," he said.
Labane noted that negotiations have recently gained momentum after India resumed discussions with SACU, a customs union comprising South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini.
He cautioned that talks remain at a preliminary stage and require patience from all stakeholders.
"The discussions are moving in the right direction, but no decision has yet been made on which products will be included in the agreement or excluded from it," he said.
Highlighting the broader relationship between India and South Africa, Labane said the two nations share strong historical and cultural ties that provide a solid foundation for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
According to him, both countries have a common history shaped by colonial rule, which has helped foster mutual understanding and partnership.
He also pointed to the large Indian-origin community in South Africa as an important link that further strengthens people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Labane said these shared connections, along with growing economic opportunities, create significant scope for deeper collaboration between India and South Africa in the years ahead.