South Africa commends India's role in world affairs

DURBAN: South Africa has praised India's leading role in promoting multi-lateralism in world affairs.

"The Indian-origin people in South Africa had especially played a significant role in our freedom and we must thank India for the encouragement it gave us," Deputy Minister of Communications, Roy Padaychee said in his address to mark India's Republic Day function in Durban.

The function was organised by the Indian Consulate in the city.

Padaychee praised India for the lead it had taken in promoting the liberation and independence of colonised countries, especially South Africa.

"Therefore, today when we observe India's 59th Republic Day and 60 years of independence, we want to say how grateful we are to India for the role it has played and continues to play in contributing to the socio-economic development of our new democracy."

"India is doing a lot for us through bilateral agreements and we appreciate this," he said.

Indian Consul to Durban, Harsh Varshan Shringla outlined the growing trade and economic relations between the two countries since 1994 and said this was now expected to reach several billion dollars.

He said India was extending its economic relations all over South Africa and disclosed that several delegations from here had visited India over the years. One such delegation from KwaZulu-Natal is currently on a visit to Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.