Modi on a four-nation Africa tour, lands in South Africa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in South Africa as part of his four-nation Africa tour aimed at enhancing ties with the continent, particularly in the economic sphere.

Modi, who landed in Mozambique earlier as part of his four-nation tour of Africa, said, India will work with Mozambique to bolster the country's strengths in areas of India's need, especially in the development of agricultural infrastructure and productivity.

''Today, we agreed to put this cooperation on the fast track. We are also strengthening our partnership in food security.''

India also committed to buy pulses from Mozambique, which would help meet India's requirement while boosting Mozambique's agricultural development.

This, he said, will also facilitate long-term investments in commercial farming, generate farm employment and raise farmer's incomes in this country. Health care is another area where India's capacities and Mozambican needs match well. India will be donating essential medicines for the Mozambican public health system, including medicines for treatment of AIDS, he said.

In South Africa, the prime minister will hold talks with President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria and later address an India-South Africa business meeting today at the second leg of his four-nation African tour.

"Second leg of PM's Africa tour begins in South Africa. PM lands in Pretoria," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted on Thursday.

On Thursday, South African minister for international relations and cooperation Nkoana Mashabane and minister for small business Lindiwe Zulu welcomed Modi at Air Force Base, Waterkloof, in Pretoria.

''In the footsteps of history. PM @narendramodi arrives in Pretoria for the second leg of his Africa tour,'' ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on Modi's arrival in Pretoria.

''Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations & Cooperation and Lindiwe Zulu, Minister for Small business welcome PM to SA,'' he said.

During his South Africa visit, Modi will meet President Jacob Zuma and also Cyril Ramaphosa, the deputy president. ''In an effort to boost our economic ties, I will speak at the India-South Africa business meet,'' Modi had earlier said.