Talks between India and SACU for a PTA began almost two decades ago, back in 2008, but stalled because of disagreement over sensitivities and market access
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that he discussed the signing of terms of reference (ToRs) for the India-SACU (Southern African Customs Union) preferential trade pact and an early conclusion of negotiations with his South African counterpart, Parks Tau, in a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS 2026 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur.Cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing sectors also featured prominently in the talks.“We discussed the signing of ToRs for India-SACU PTA and early conclusion of negotiations, strengthening the India-South Africa trade engagement and explored opportunities for cooperation in the critical minerals, pharmaceuticals & manufacturing sectors,” Goyal posted on social media platform `X’.The five member SACU includes Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa.Talks between India and SACU for a PTA began almost two decades ago, back in 2008, but stalled because of disagreement over sensitivities and market access. However, there is renewed interest in the pact from the two sides with special focus on critical minerals and pharmaceuticals.India is hosting the BRICS 2026 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur as part of its BRICS Presidency. The purpose of the meeting to boost trade and economic cooperation, encourage innovation, create robust value chains, and advance sustainable industrial growth.Published on August 6, 2026
