India-S.Africa ties special, can play vital role in providing leadership on world stage: South African envoy-designate Sooklal

India and South Africa share a special relationship, as stated by the newly appointed High Commissioner of South Africa to India, Anil Sooklal. He expressed hope that the two countries can play a significant role in global leadership.

Sooklal, the first person of Indian origin to be appointed South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, made these remarks at a felicitation event held in his honor. Sooklal underlined the “special relationship” between the two nations, which was also emphasized by late President Nelson Mandela.

After becoming South Africa’s first democratically elected leader, Mandela visited India to express gratitude to both the government and the people of India for their important role in the international fight against apartheid.

Sooklal asserted that India and South Africa can provide leadership on the global stage, given their vibrant democracies and commitment to fundamental freedom and human rights. He expressed optimism about lifting the bilateral relationship to the rightful level it should be at, recognizing its potential at every level.

Furthermore, Sooklal mentioned the construction of the largest mandir and complex in the southern hemisphere in Johannesburg as a symbol of hope in an age of global crises. He sees it as a critical selling point in strengthening the relationship between Africa and Asia.

Sooklal also shared a personal connection to the history of Indians in South Africa, tracing his ancestry back to indentured laborers who arrived in 1893.

At the event, Sadhu Brahmavihari of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha expressed that former President APJ Abdul Kalam would have been pleased with Sooklal’s appointment and highlighted Kalam’s belief in the positive impact of having a person of Indian origin as the Ambassador of South Africa to India.