A critical investigation into the diplomatic relations between post-apartheid South Africa and India.
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Date
2021
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Abstract
The study made a critical investigation into the diplomatic relations between post-apartheid
South Africa and India, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The major
arguments were based on the following aspects: First, Post-apartheid South Africa and India
have shared good bilateral relations since 1994 and constantly aim to expand and diversify their
trade and economic relations. However, it would seem the two countries have not fully exploited
the potential role of the private sector and civil society in their relations, despite their vibrant
private sectors and civic societies. Second, although South Africa and India have, since 1994,
proclaimed themselves as partners for development, very limited critical interrogation has been
made on the prospects and challenges embedded in their economic diplomatic relations regarding
their bilateral and multilateral engagements. Both share membership in various organizations
including BRICS, IBSA, UN, amongst others. They continue to make use of their membership in
these groupings to advance national interests. Third, diplomatic relations between India and
South Africa after 1994 have to consider the global shifts in political and economic power
relations due to multipolarity. The study revealed that the historical relations between the African
National Congress (ANC) and the Indian Congress Party (ICP) influenced the cordial diplomatic
relations between the two countries in the post-apartheid South Africa. Fourth: there are
contentious views on the position of Mahatma Gandhi regarding the historical racial relations
between Indians and Africans in South Africa, and that he was more concerned about the
freedom of South African Indians, and not black South Africans. However, there is a general
acknowledgement that South African Indians contributed greatly to the socio-economic and
political development of South Africa. The economic bilateral relations between the two
countries have flourished since the end of apartheid, with India holding the most potential. However, they are yet to make use of available opportunities such as the involvement of private
sector and civil society in their relations. The study recommends that both countries should take
advantage of their complementarities and comparative advantages for mutual benefits.
Description
Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.