Since its inception, the grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) has been guided by the overarching objectives of peace, security, development and cooperation, they noted in a declaration following their sixth summit in Fortaleza, Brazil.
Looking into the future, they pledged to deepen their partnership with a renewed vision, based on openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation, while remaining committed to those objectives.
"In this sense, we are ready to explore new areas towards a comprehensive cooperation and a closer economic partnership to facilitate market inter-linkages, financial integration, infrastructure connectivity as well as people-to-people contacts," said the Fortaleza Declaration.
The High Commission of India in Pretoria and the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) launched the Festival of India in South Africa on Wednesday, 16 July 2014 at the Consulate General of India in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
The year “2014” marks 20 years of diplomatic relations between India and South Africa since the end of apartheid era; and 100 years since the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India on 18 July 1914.
This Festival also coincides with the celebration of life and values of our liberation struggle icon, “Tata” Nelson Mandela.
