India-SACU Trade Deal: Product Coverage Still Under Discussion

Mumbai: India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) are still negotiating a trade deal, and the question of which products will be covered remains unresolved, South Africa's Consul General Gideon Labane said on Monday. He described the negotiations as moving in a positive direction despite the lack of a final decision.

Addressing the media at an event in India's financial capital, Labane acknowledged that the absence of a trade agreement has frustrated both parties. He said progress has been slower than either side would have liked, reflecting how gradually official processes can unfold in both countries.

He said that there have been some positive signs lately, especially since India restarted talks with SACU. The customs union brings together roughly five countries in southern Africa: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Labane underlined the need for patience. Although the dialogue between the two sides is advancing well, no conclusion has been reached on which goods will be included in the agreement.

He also spoke about the many reasons for cooperation and partnership between South Africa and India. According to him, the most important factor is the shared history of the two countries, which were previously ruled by the same colonial powers. Labane added that a large community of Indian origin living in South Africa creates another point of connection between the two nations.