High Commissioner Anil Sooklal on Strengthening Democracy and Ties between India and South Africa
Democratic Processes and Observations from India
In a recent interview, Anil Sooklal, the High Commissioner of South Africa to India, commended the successful conclusion of the Bihar Assembly elections. Expressing admiration for India’s robust democratic process, Sooklal highlighted how such orderly elections serve to reinforce democracy not just in India but also offer valuable lessons for South Africa. “We had an observer team from South Africa as part of the observer mission,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of learning from India’s electoral methodology, especially in a region as populous as Bihar.
Sooklal noted that the orderly and peaceful execution of the elections was commendable. He remarked, “Democracy is about the people, and people must come first, their needs.” This sentiment underlines the essence of why elections are vital; they empower citizens and allow them to make decisions about their leaders through inclusive mechanisms.
South Africa’s G20 Chairmanship and African Priorities
Sooklal elaborated on South Africa’s role as the chair of the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit, highlighting its thematic focus on “solidarity, equality, and sustainability.” This theme builds upon the priorities emphasized by previous chairpersons like India and Indonesia. The High Commissioner discussed critical areas of concern for Africa, such as inclusive economic growth and addressing inequality and unemployment. He emphasized the need to mainstream the African Union’s Agenda 2063 during the summit, addressing significant topics like food security and sustainable development through AI innovation.
Notably, Sooklal stressed the importance of debt sustainability, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global economies. “Debt sustainability is preventing the development of especially African countries,” he said, reinforcing his country’s focus on these critical issues during the summit.
The Evolution of India-South Africa Ties
As a historical relationship rooted in shared struggles against colonialism and exploitation, India and South Africa continue to nurture their ties on various fronts, including trade, security, and technology. Sooklal highlighted the significance of upcoming bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where topics such as new areas of cooperation are expected to be discussed. The partnership remains particularly focused on sectors like education, research, and technological advancement.
Sooklal noted India as South Africa’s third-largest trading partner, emphasizing that the bond between the nations is historically rich and growing stronger. “The relationship continues to thrive,” he remarked, signaling optimism for future collaborations.
Modi’s Role in the Global South
Sooklal’s insights also touched upon Prime Minister Modi’s elevated status as a key player in bolstering the Global South. He acknowledged Modi’s efforts in facilitating the African Union’s participation in the G20 and his frequent visits to South Africa as indicators of a deep commitment to African relations. “He’s highly regarded for championing issues pertinent to the Global South,” Sooklal affirmed.
Personal Reflections on Heritage and Identity
Speaking from a unique perspective as the first Indian-origin diplomat from South Africa in New Delhi, Sooklal shared personal anecdotes about his family’s journey—from India to South Africa. His family’s roots trace back to Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, where his great-grandparents were transported under the indenture system to work in sugar plantations in Durban. This heritage forms a significant part of his identity, illustrating the blend of Indian and African cultures within him.
“The Indian diaspora plays a vital role in fostering connections,” he affirmed, underscoring the influence of cultural and familial ties that continue to hybridize the identities of people from both nations.
The Role of the Indian Diaspora
Sooklal elaborated on the substantial presence of the Indian diaspora in South Africa, a population that boasts cultural and familial connections extending back to India. With nearly 1.75 million people of Indian descent residing in South Africa, the Hindu community maintains robust cultural practices, evident through temples and religious observances that bind them to their Indian roots.
“The diaspora is a crucial link between our two nations,” Sooklal remarked, highlighting its contributions to business, culture, and community life.
Priorities as South Africa’s Ambassador
In his role as High Commissioner, Sooklal is keen to deepen ties through economic, educational, and cultural exchanges. He emphasizes the importance of skills development and technological collaboration, pointing out how India could aid South Africa in various sectors, including agriculture and healthcare.
Additionally, Sooklal expressed hopes for enhancing tourism between the two countries, mentioning ongoing discussions about establishing direct flights to facilitate travel and enhance business connections. “We want to encourage more Indian tourists to visit South Africa,” he stated.
Addressing Current Issues and the Gupta Family Case
Sooklal was also asked about the ongoing issues surrounding the Gupta family and their charges in South Africa. He maintained that the relationship between India and South Africa transcends individuals, focusing instead on the healthy, government-to-government rapport that continues to flourish despite external controversies.
In this dynamic context, Sooklal’s insights reveal the myriad ways in which India and South Africa are poised to strengthen their collaborative bond while addressing the nuances of global and local challenges together.
