Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday left for South Africa on a four-day trip, which will see him revive the emotional linkages between the two countries through participation in the centenary celebrations of launch of Satyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi.
Dr Singh will have talks with South African President Thabo Mbeki on a wide range of issues aimed at enhancing the level of bilateral relations. The discussions will particularly focus on strengthening the strategic relationship.
At least seven agreements, including in the field of railways, education and science and technology, are expected to be signed during the visit that will mark combination of work with revival of emotional bonds between India and South Africa.
A proposed Preferential Trade Agreement with the five-nation South African Customs Union is under negotiation and may be signed if the discussions are completed.
During his stay there, Dr Singh will attend celebrations to commemorate the 100th anniversary of launch of Satyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa, a country where the pioneer of non-violence unveiled the new concept of resistance against colonialism and political oppression.
He will also participate in a public programme to mark the anniversary and address an inter-faith meeting along with Mbeki. The celebrations will include a cultural element, involving performance by noted artists from each country. From the Indian
side, noted Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan will present a performance.
A visit to Pietermaritzburg Railway Station, where Gandhi, a lawyer, was pushed out of a train because of his race, in 1906 is also on the agenda. This incident had changed the life of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and he introduced the concept of satyagraha, a non-violent resistance movement, which resulted in independence of India and end to apartheid in South Africa.
The prime minister will also meet Nelson Mandela, the South African leader who was inspired by Gandhi to lead a successful non-violent struggle against apartheid.
The relations between the two countries have been growing significantly during last few years, both in political and economic field. The bilateral trade at present stands at $4 billion but both sides feel that this is not reflective of the actual potential and that efforts should be made to increase it.
The two countries have also been pursuing coordinated approaches on various international issues, particularly under the India-Brazil-South Africa forum. The first summit of the IBSA was held recently in Brazil, during which the three leading countries of three continents decided to work on specific projects to enhance cooperation.
The prime ministerial visit to South Africa is taking place after nine years although President A P J Abdul Kalam had travelled there two years back. Mbeki had also visited India in 2003.