Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India was committed to "meaningful cooperation" with South Africa as there was substantial potential for growth of trade and tourism between the two nations."The government of India is committed to have meaningful cooperation between both the countries so that the challenges faced on many fronts can be adequately addressed. India adopts a holistic approach that ensures 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism and it is committed to combating terrorism and extremism and to ensure that perpetrators of terrorist acts, their masterminds and conspirators are brought to justice," he said. The home minister was addressing a delegation led by his South African counterpart, Malusi Nkanyezi Gigaba, that called on him here, an official statement issued here said.
Singh said the issue of immigration and visa played an important role in meaningful transformation of any cooperative efforts between the two countries in these areas."Historically, politically, commercially and culturally, South Africa is an important partner of India. Both the countries should be able to build a stronger and more effective international arena, not only for the safety and prosperity of our own communities, but for greater global peace and stability," the home minister said.India and South Africa are active members of several international groups such as India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) initiative. These international groupings play an increasingly important role in promoting closer coordination and greater understanding on global issues between our countries, he added.
Gigaba, in his response, showed interest in e-tourist visa, border management and visa facilitation agreement.He said that South Africa was keen to promote tourism and business between the two countries and would recommend business visa with multiple entries for 10 years on reciprocity basis.The South African minister also highlighted the steps taken in his country to check cases of visas obtained through fraudulent documents and measures taken to beef up security in the country.Union Home Secretary L.C. Goyal, High Commissioner of South Africa in India, F.K. Morule and other senior officers from both the countries were present on the occasion.