South Africa's new high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has said his mandate in India will be to "build on that very strong foundation" and to "expand exponentially this relationship on all fronts of cooperation". The new High Commissioner presented his credentials to Indian President Droupadi Murmu earlier this week. In the past, he was South Africa's Sherpa to the BRICS grouping and G20. Sooklal, who is South Africa's first Indian-origin High commissioner to Delhi, spoke to WION's Sidhant Sibal on his future endeavors, South Africa's incoming G20 Presidency, BRICS, South Africa and India relations and Cheetah Diplomacy. Watch in for more details!

South African Envoy Anil Sooklal Tells WION About His Indian Origins | WION Exclusive Interview

South Africa's new high commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has said his mandate in India will be to "build on that very strong foundation" and to "expand exponentially this relationship on all fronts of cooperation".

Africa my Janmabhoomi, India now my Karmabhoomi, says new South African envoy Anil Sooklal 

In the run-up to the 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa from August 22nd to 24th, Professor Anil Sooklal, the country's BRICS Sherpa, has highlighted India's "critical role".

Speaking to WION exclusively, he said, "India is a critical country in the success of the summit. And I think the fact that we have Prime Minister Modi coming to the summit signals, just how seriously India takes its membership of BRICS."

South Africa is the host of the year's summit which is the first in-person gathering of BRICS leaders since 2019, with the Sherpa describing the meeting as "historic". No in-person summits occurred between 2020 and 2022 due to the Covid pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-expansion-bilateral-ties-at-forefront-of-pm-modi-raisis-talks-626888">BRICS expansion, bilateral ties at forefront of PM Modi’s talks with Iran President Raisi</a>

He explained that the "world has changed dramatically in these last few years", adding that "one of the significant geopolitical shifts is the rise of India as the 5th largest global economy. And I think that's significant, not just for India, I think it's significant for BRICS as well. "

Sooklal's insights extended to India's "pioneering role" within BRICS, particularly in deepening the use of national currencies.

He emphasised that India has been at the forefront of this initiative, enabling financial choices and greater independence for member nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-idea-of-common-currency-potential-expansion-creates-jitters-in-the-west-625861">BRICS' idea of 'common currency', potential expansion creates jitters in the West</a>

He said, "BRICS is focusing heavily on in terms of giving us financial choices and also greater financial independence, not only in terms of our trade interactions but also in terms of setting up our own payment settlement system, which we also want to be discussing and India again, has been one of the leaders in this in the Global South."

"More and more countries, especially BRICS countries like Russia, China and India have been focusing on using national currencies."

<h2>Focus on expansion of BRICS</h2>

Among the key issues to be addressed at the summit is an expansion of the grouping, a topic that has reverberated globally.

Sooklal underscored the significance, stating, "Having all the BRICS leaders including Prime Minister Modi, to deliberate on this and to see how we deal with the question of expansion, I think that's also really significant."

South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries seeking BRICS membership which are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam.

The evolving geopolitical landscape has renewed interest in BRICS as nations in the Global South explore alternatives in a multipolar world.

<h2>BRICS 2023 summit: Why PM&nbsp;Modi's in-person presence holds significance?</h2>

Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi's presence in South Africa at this juncture holds dual significance. Not only does it align with the 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations, but it also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa.

Sooklal noted the importance, stating, "On a number of fronts, it's an important occasion for India. Not just within BRICS, but also the bilateral relationship between our two countries"

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In the run-up to the 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa from August 22nd to 24th, Professor Anil Sooklal, the country's BRICS Sherpa, has highlighted India's "critical role".

In the run-up to the 15th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa from August 22nd to 24th, Professor Anil Sooklal, the country's BRICS Sherpa, has highlighted India's "critical role". Speaking to WION exclusively, he said, "India is a critical country in the success of the summit. And I think the fact that we have Prime Minister Modi coming to the summit signals, just how seriously India takes its membership of BRICS." South Africa is the host of the year's summit which is the first in-person gathering of BRICS leaders since 2019, with the Sherpa describing the meeting as "historic". No in-person summits occurred between 2020 and 2022 due to the Covid pandemic. Also read | BRICS expansion, bilateral ties at forefront of PM Modi’s talks with Iran President Raisi He explained that the "world has changed dramatically in these last few years", adding that "one of the significant geopolitical shifts is the rise of India as the 5th largest global economy. And I think that's significant, not just for India, I think it's significant for BRICS as well. " Sooklal's insights extended to India's "pioneering role" within BRICS, particularly in deepening the use of national currencies. He emphasised that India has been at the forefront of this initiative, enabling financial choices and greater independence for member nations. Also read | BRICS' idea of 'common currency', potential expansion creates jitters in the West He said, "BRICS is focusing heavily on in terms of giving us financial choices and also greater financial independence, not only in terms of our trade interactions but also in terms of setting up our own payment settlement system, which we also want to be discussing and India again, has been one of the leaders in this in the Global South." "More and more countries, especially BRICS countries like Russia, China and India have been focusing on using national currencies." Focus on expansion of BRICS Among the key issues to be addressed at the summit is an expansion of the grouping, a topic that has reverberated globally. Sooklal underscored the significance, stating, "Having all the BRICS leaders including Prime Minister Modi, to deliberate on this and to see how we deal with the question of expansion, I think that's also really significant." South Africa has received formal expressions of interest from over 20 countries seeking BRICS membership which are Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Egypt, Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nigeria, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Vietnam. The evolving geopolitical landscape has renewed interest in BRICS as nations in the Global South explore alternatives in a multipolar world. BRICS 2023 summit: Why PM Modi's in-person presence holds significance? Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence in South Africa at this juncture holds dual significance. Not only does it align with the 30th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two nations, but it also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa. Sooklal noted the importance, stating, "On a number of fronts, it's an important occasion for India. Not just within BRICS, but also the bilateral relationship between our two countries" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit

India, Russia, China, Brazil and South Africa form one of the world’s most important economic blocs. As per UN data, the BRICS grouping represents more than one-quarter of global GDP; and 42% of the world’s population. Significantly, the BRICS have seen their economic influence increase over the past decades, as drivers of global growth, trade and investment. South Africa's BRICS Sherpa, Anil Sooklal, spoke to our principal diplomatic correspondent on India's role. He also spoke about the conflicts in Asia and Africa.

India's role in BRICS: Grouping represents over one-quarter of global GDP & 42% of world population

South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal has said that President Putin have accepted the invitation to attend the BRICS summit in the country in the month of August. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, Russia is " preparing to attend the summit. And South Africa is preparing to host an in-person summit in August this year." The comments assume significance since international criminal court has issued a warrant against President Putin which raises concern over his participation. The Sherpa also spoke about expansion of the grouping, explaining, 20 countries have formally or informally approached BRICS leaders to become full members of BRICS. BRICS is an acronym for 5 countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. One of the largest groupings in terms of population, the group has leading economies of the world. Asked about India, the Sherpa Anil said, "India has been a founding member of the BRICS and has played a critical role over the past 15 years'.

Prez Putin has accepted invite to attend BRICS Summit: South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal

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South African Envoy Anil Sooklal Tells WION About His Indian Origins | WION Exclusive Interview

Africa my Janmabhoomi, India now my Karmabhoomi, says new South African envoy Anil Sooklal

India's 'critical role' stressed by South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal ahead of the summit

India's role in BRICS: Grouping represents over one-quarter of global GDP & 42% of world population

Prez Putin has accepted invite to attend BRICS Summit: South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal