Wednesday 30 / September / 2026
New Delhi: A key outcome of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi has been fresh momentum in defence and military cooperation between India and South Africa, building on a strategic partnership that has developed over several decades.
For South Africa, closer defence ties with India could provide access to advanced technologies through joint manufacturing, skills development and capacity-building. For India, the expansion of its domestic defence industry is creating opportunities to deepen cooperation with South Africa while opening new markets for Indian defence equipment and technologies.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met on the sidelines of the summit to review progress in their strategic partnership and discuss areas of mutual interest. The two leaders also agreed to maintain close coordination in multilateral forums.
India and South Africa held their inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks in New Delhi, focusing heavily on augmenting bilateral defence partnership through enhanced training exchanges and collaborative capacity-building frameworks.
Providing details of the engagement, the Indian Army stated on X, “The maiden India–South Africa Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) were held in New Delhi from 16–18 September 2026. Both sides held discussions on avenues of enhancing bilateral defence cooperation through expanding training exchanges and joint capacity building, marking a significant step forward in strengthening military-to-military ties.”
During the itinerary, the visiting South African delegation inspected the Indian Army's artificial intelligence infusion projects alongside a visit to the 505 Army Base Workshop, observing first-hand technological modernisation and indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
These staff engagements followed a high-level meeting between PM Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where both leaders evaluated bilateral relations alongside international matters of shared significance.
The two dignitaries analysed headway made across multiple domains, reaffirming the comprehensive strategic partnership binding both nations.
Highlighting the historic ties, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted, “They affirmed that the close and longstanding relations between India and South Africa are rooted in shared historical struggles, strong cultural affinities, robust economic ties, and deep people-to-people connections.”
Emphasising future cooperation, PM Modi underscored that both countries will coordinate closely to drive continental development, champion the priorities of the Global South, and foster a more balanced international architecture.
From military exchanges to industrial cooperation
India and South Africa established a Joint Defence Committee under a 2000 defence cooperation memorandum of understanding, creating a framework for regular engagement. Since then, cooperation has expanded through military exchanges, naval exercises, training programmes and maritime-security initiatives.
In 2019, the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Export Council identified several potential areas for cooperation with Indian industry, including small- and medium-calibre ammunition, land-based weapons, unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and electronic warfare.
Maritime cooperation has also gained momentum. An implementing agreement between the Indian and South African navies provides for enhanced submarine-rescue cooperation, while South Africa’s participation in India’s 2026 International Fleet Review and Exercise Milan highlighted the expanding scope of naval engagement.
Defence industry becomes a bigger part of the relationship
The relationship is increasingly moving beyond military exercises and training into defence manufacturing and technology partnerships.
One example is the collaboration between South Africa’s Paramount Group and India’s Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd to develop the Simha 4×4 light armoured multipurpose vehicle for markets in India, Africa and elsewhere.
South African defence companies have also developed commercial relationships with Indian firms. Milkor, for instance, has supplied its multiple grenade launchers to the Indian Army, while Saab Grintek Defence has partnered with Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division on the Land Electronic Defence System 50, a self-protection and laser-warning system for military vehicles.
The expanding relationship therefore spans a broader defence ecosystem—from military-to-military engagement and training to artificial intelligence, advanced technology, manufacturing and industrial partnerships.
For South Africa, India represents a potential partner for strengthening defence capabilities and developing industrial capacity. For India, deeper engagement with South Africa provides another avenue for internationalising its growing defence manufacturing base and expanding its presence in African markets.
