# India, South Africa Push for Early SACU Trade Pact Talks

2026-08-06T14:22:49+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

India and South Africa have discussed signing terms of reference for a preferential trade agreement with the Southern African Customs Union, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on August 6. The talks also covered cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Negotiations between India and SACU began in 2008 but stalled over market access and sensitive sectors. SACU comprises Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. The discussions took place alongside the BRICS 2026 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur. Separately, India and Lesotho reviewed bilateral cooperation at their sixth Joint Bilateral Commission meeting in New Delhi on July 30, agreeing to hold the next meeting in Maseru in 2027. India also invited Lesotho to join two international initiatives.

## Coverage

- thehindubusinessline.com <https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/india-lesotho-review-bilateral-ties-agree-to-hold-next-jbcc-in-maseru-in-2027/article71312027.ece>
- thehindubusinessline.com <https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-south-africa-discuss-early-india-sacu-trade-pact/article71314616.ece>

Tags: bilateral cooperation, development partnership, diplomacy, India-Lesotho ties
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