India and South Africa: Security and Military Cooperation

Abstract

In recent years South Africa has become more important in the security and geostrategic considerations due to globalization and multilateralism in new world order. The end of Cold War and Apartheid marked the change of environment for South African diplomatic relations with India. India’s has maintained economic, strategic and security relations at two levels, firstly through multilateral organizations like BRICS and IBSA and bilaterally. The cooperation in the field of security and military is primarily at bilateral levels, the cooperation mainly focused on joint naval exercises in context of maritime security for keeping the Sea Lanes of Communications free and secure and defence manufacturing. South Africa is one of the most important countries which have considerable influence over other countries of African continent and if India has to make its presence in Africa it has to work in close cooperation with South Africa.

Keywords: Strategic, Security, Defence, Military, Maritime, Navy, Trade, Manufacturing

JEL Classification: F59