South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, with expanding intra-BRICS trade and investment expected to be among South Africa's key priorities. His office announced the visit on Wednesday, outlining an agenda focused on strengthening cooperation among BRICS members and advancing the interests of the Global South.
The summit will focus on a people-centred development agenda, expanding trade and investment, strengthening financial and institutional cooperation, and advancing reforms of the United Nations and international financial institutions. BRICS leaders are expected to discuss ways to maintain unity among the grouping's expanded and diverse membership while addressing global governance issues and development priorities.
South Africa plans to use the summit to advance its economic priorities, particularly by increasing trade and investment among BRICS countries. The agenda will also include promoting industrialisation and value addition, while encouraging investment in African infrastructure in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Pretoria is also expected to highlight opportunities for deeper economic cooperation within the expanded grouping.
Also Read: Boy Whispers To PM Modi During Delhi Metro Ride: “I Want To Become Like You”
Ramaphosa will participate in the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue, bringing together political leaders and business representatives for discussions on trade and supply chains, agriculture, women-led development, the digital economy and innovation. South Africa's BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women's Business Alliance will also participate, with the aim of strengthening commercial links and identifying opportunities for investment and economic cooperation.
The summit will take place against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine and growing competition among major powers, which have affected economic development and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. BRICS leaders will also attend sessions on inclusive global governance, multilateralism, resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability before concluding the summit with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.
Ramaphosa will be accompanied by South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi. India, which holds the BRICS chairship, will host the summit at Bharat Mandapam under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", with an emphasis on a people-centric approach and the Global South.
Also Read: BRICS Summit Rehearsal Today: Delhi Traffic Restrictions On Key Routes