Modi seeks South Africa's continued support for NSG membership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sought South Africa's continued support for India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) during a bilateral meeting with South African President Jacob Zuma ahead of the BRICS Summit here.

"Met @SAPresident and had comprehensive talks with him on further cementing India's ties with South," Modi stated in a tweet.

In a media briefing later, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that Modi thanked Zuma for South Africa's support for India's bid for NSG membership and "hoped that they continue their support".

South Africa offered its support for India's bid during Modi's visit to that country in July this year.

Zuma described Modi's visit as historic, according to Swarup.

Modi also thanked Zuma for his statement after last month's cross-border attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers and appreciated the solidarity shown by South Africa.

The two leaders also discussed trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Zuma said bilateral ties should be expanded in all areas and called for simplification of the visa regime between the two countries, the spokesperson said.

Modi said India would make good use of South Africa's expertise in deep mining.

Modi also commended South Africa's contributions to BRICS, according to Swarup.

Earlier on Saturday, Modi held the annual India-Russia bilateral summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Prime Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Eighth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit will be held here on Sunday.

--IANS

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