Commentary/ Rajiv Shukla

South Africa has taken to Gujral doctrine like fish to water

"You and Gandhi," Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral informed South African President Nelson Mandela recently, "have shared the same jail on different occasions in Johannesburg. That's the strongest link between our countries. It must be sustained."

Just two weeks after he made this pitch, South Africa appears to have taken to the Gujral doctrine like fish to water. The PM's prime objective was to gain entry to the Association of Southern African Countries for Development. For this, the benefits of furthering economic ties with India was highlighted. Luckily for Gujral, everything seems to have worked out fine.

Gujral decided to take the African block into confidence for two reasons. First, to garner their support in international fora such as the United Nations and second, to cultivate the African market for Indian products. Mahatma Gandhi was the bridge in his efforts.

During the time he spent in SA, Gujral made it a point to visit six places -- the Johannesburg fort jail, the Bramfontein cemetery, the Tolstoy farm, the Phoenix settlement, the Gandhi Luthili Peace Institute and Pietermaritzurg -- which have been intimately connected with the Mahatma.

India's focus on African countries stems from a need to find 'partners in progress' under a quid pro quo arrangement regarding defence needs and international diplomacy. Both are committed to be strategic partners now. Which means they will be coordinating on all international forum to take up a common view on issues.

On the diplomacy front, both countries are trying for a permanent seat in the UN security council -- India from the Asian block and South Africa from the African side. Gujral's candid discussions with Mandela yielded positive results.

"Let the occasion come," Mandela said, "and we will help each other."

The president was in complete agreement to India's proposal that the security council must be expanded. For this, he said, a criteria should be fixed keeping in mind the global order, population and geographical situation. He also supported the UN reforms which India has been asking for.

South Africa and India have decided to increase the bilateral trade to two billion dollars by 2000. Joint workgroups for trade promotion have already been formed with Uganda and South Africa. During Gujral's visit, several delegations of Indian businessmen also had talks with SA private companies to identity trade areas. In addition to Ranbaxy and the Tatas, at least 10 more Indian companies will be introduced in SA.

Mandela showed special interest in mining, small scale industries, coal based power generators, pharmaceuticals etc. He also expressed great keenness about diamond mining operations in Madhya Pradesh. Indian medicines, too, are finding a good market in the country as western brands are very expensive.

Defence was another issue which was discussed quite successfully. Now on, both leaders promised each other, there will be complete co-operation on this front. As a former nuclear power, SA has a lot to share with India.

India's troubles for finding ammunition for Bofors guns are over -- here on, South Africa will supply it. Besides this, India, in all probability, will buy Rooivalk helicopters from SA. Both countries have appointed defence attaches in their high commissions. India has also agreed to train South African officers at her defence academics.

Thus, Gujral's South African labours, it can be said, have proved extremely fruitful.

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