Overview On November 23, 2025 , Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa , President of the Republic of South Africa, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg . The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation. Key Developments Gratitude and Appreciation: Prime Minister Modi thanked President Ramaphosa for the warm hospitality and successful conduct of the Summit, acknowledging South Africa's efforts in building upon the decisions made during the New Delhi G20 Summit. Review of Bilateral Ties: Both leaders reviewed the progress in various fields of cooperation, including trade and investment, food security, skill development, mining, youth exchange, and people-to-people ties. Areas of Enhanced Cooperation: Discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in the fields of AI (Artificial Intelligence) , Digital Public Infrastructure , and critical minerals . Investment and Trade: The leaders welcomed the growing presence of Indian firms in South Africa and agreed to facilitate mutual investments, especially in infrastructure, technology, innovation, mining, and start-up sectors. Environmental and Conservation Efforts: Prime Minister Modi thanked President Ramaphosa for South African cheetah relocation to India and invited him to join the International Big Cat Alliance led by India. Global South Cooperation: The leaders agreed to work jointly to amplify the voice of the Global South . Prime Minister Modi appreciated South Africa's initiative to hold an IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) leaders meeting. BRICS Support: President Ramaphosa assured South Africa’s full support to India’s upcoming Chairship of BRICS in 2026 . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly for GS Paper II (International Relations) and GS Paper III (Economy, Science and Technology) . It highlights the importance of bilateral relations, international cooperation, and emerging technologies. Exam Perspective Prelims: Focus on the location and date of the meeting, key areas of discussion (AI, Digital Public Infrastructure, critical minerals), and the International Big Cat Alliance. Mains: Analyze the significance of India-South Africa relations, the potential for cooperation in emerging technologies, and the role of BRICS in global governance. Key Takeaways The meeting underscores the strengthening ties between India and South Africa, with a focus on mutual cooperation and addressing global challenges. The discussions on AI, Digital Public Infrastructure, and critical minerals are particularly relevant in the context of technological advancements and economic development.