India's Modi marks Gandhi's historic South African ride

"We know we can count on the active support of our friends like South Africa".

There has been no noticeable shift in India's policy towards South Africa with the Bharatiya Janata Party in government, and relations remain strong, particularly as partners in the Brics alliance.

Across Africa, India's economic footprint is dwarfed by that of its regional rival China, whose trade with the continent topped $200 billion previous year. "Trade with India represented 4.9 percent of SA [South Africa] imports and 4.1 percent of exports a year ago", Zuma said.

A number of other bilateral agreements and MoUs are expected to be finalised in the next few months.

"South African business excellence and Indian capacities must leverage each other for growth and development in our two countries", he added.

The 20th anniversary of the bilateral cooperation in science and technology between South Africa and India will be celebrated by the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

Director of India's National Innovation Foundation, Dr Vipin Kumar said that similar to South Africa, India has achieved considerable success in technology but the technological needs and ideas of people in rural areas are neglected. It was an eye-opener for all South African youth.

"We are looking to increase and diversify South African exports to India", Zuma said. "India should reject efforts that undermine, weaken or eliminate critically important public health safeguards from its laws", said Claire Waterhouse, MSF access campaign advocacy officer in Southern Africa. Prime Minister Modi will also be interacting with the Indian community during the day.

"We are trying to become an easier place in which to do business as it is evident in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report", Modi said.

He welcomed South Africa's chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and said that it has emerged as a key platform of engagement for the maritime neighbors connected by the Indian Ocean.

According to the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investments, Mr Charles Mwijage, exports to India increased to 1.32 billion U.S. dollars in 2015, up from 1.25 billion United States dollars in 2014 due to an increase in exports of spices, cashews, hides, coconuts, legumes, fish, cotton and sisal products.

Seeking to strike a chord, Modi said as South Africa works for its economic prosperity, safety and security, it will find in India a "trusted and reliable partner".

He also said that travelers would soon be able to apply for short-term visas online instead of going to the high Commission of India in Pretoria.