Bangkok, 13 October 2026 — Dr. Asif Iqbal, President of the Indian Economic Trade Organisation (IETO), met with Mr. Tshepiso Malele, Head of Brand South Africa, on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF meetings in Bangkok. Their discussion focused on opportunities to strengthen business and institutional ties between India and South Africa.
Both countries are members of BRICS, providing a platform to deepen economic engagement. Dr. Iqbal noted South Africa’s close ties with India within the BRICS partnership and highlighted the scope for Indian and South African businesses to work together.
Dr. Iqbal also outlined a proposed IETO delegation to Durban in November. The delegation would work towards establishing an India BRICS Trade Council office in South Africa with a governing council team, and begin engaging Indian investors interested in opportunities in the country.
Mr. Malele spoke about his participation in the BRICS Summit in India and shared potential initiatives to promote Brand South Africa in China, India and other BRICS nations.
The meeting highlighted opportunities across business and investment, supported by strong people-to-people connections and close cultural ties. The participants noted that many Indians and South Africans already work together, creating a strong foundation for further collaboration between their business communities.
