India-SACU pact could be template for broader India-Africa trade agreement: South Africa envoy

What happened: South Africa's high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, said a proposed preferential trade agreement between India and SACU could become a template for a broader India-Africa trade agreement. Why it matters: Sooklal said the pact could be inked within a year, and experts said a successful conclusion could provide the foundation for a broader India-Africa economic framework. A planned Modi visit to South Africa next year could give fresh impetus to the negotiations.

South Africa's high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, said a proposed preferential trade agreement between India and SACU could become a template for a broader India-Africa trade agreement.

Sooklal said the pact could be inked within a year, and experts said a successful conclusion could provide the foundation for a broader India-Africa economic framework. A planned Modi visit to South Africa next year could give fresh impetus to the negotiations.