July 7, 2016 7:42 AM

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PM Modi to reach South Africa today; Economic ties, NSG bid on agenda

In the second leg of his four nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reach Pretoria, South Africa this evening. During the visit, Mr Modi is scheduled to meet with top South African leaders. Various agreements are likely to be signed during his visit. The Prime Minister will meet African President Jacob Zuma for bilateral talks tomorrow after which both leaders will address joint press conference. Both leaders will also address business leaders of the two countries. Mr Modi will also visit Pietermaritzburg and Durban, places related to Mahatma Gandhi. The tour is significant for economic ties, India's Nuclear Suppliers Group members bid, enhanced international co-operation and to connect Indian diaspora in India's development. Prime Minister's visit to South Africa is to boost bilateral trade. Currently the size of bilateral trade is 9.5 billion US Dollar. Both countries have set a target of 15 billion US dollar for bilateral trade by 2015 but it has not been achieved due to fall in commodity prices. Prime Minister 's visit to the southernmost African country has also important for Indian bid of Nuclear Suppliers Group, NSG, membership. Mr Modi's visit to the nation is significant as it will deepen cooperation of both countries on various international platforms like BRICS, IBSA, G-4 and G-20. Both countries are working together for democratization of many international institutions including UN security council, IMF and WTO. It will be a big add on in India-South Africa cultural relation as the Indian diaspora constitute around 2.5 percent of South African Population. In Johannesburg, Prime Minister will address Indian diaspora gathering in a grand event. Indian Diaspora, for warm welcome of the Prime Minister, has organized a programme 'South Africa Welcome Modi'.

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