On 12 August 2026, the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the Republic of India signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) in New Delhi, India, to guide negotiations towards a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
SACU Executive Secretary Dumisani Masilela on 13 August 2026 issued a press release that reads:
SACU and India Sign ToR for PTA negotiations
1. SACU and the Republic of India signed the ToR to guide negotiations towards a PTA between the two parties on the 12th of August 2026, in New Delhi, India.
2. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic and trade relations between the two parties. The conclusion of the ToR reflects the shared commitment and strong political will of SACU and India to deepen their economic partnership and advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
3. The ToR provide a structured basis for the PTA negotiations, setting out the parameters within which the parties will engage as they pursue a balanced, mutually beneficial and development-oriented agreement. The ToR will guide discussions aimed at enhancing trade, promoting investment and strengthening economic cooperation between SACU and India.
4. SACU welcomes this important achievement, which encapsulates the progress made through constructive engagement between the parties and demonstrates their shared ambition to expand economic opportunities and foster sustainable growth. SACU looks forward to working closely with India to advance negotiations toward a meaningful, mutually beneficial outcome that supports the development objectives of both parties.
5. The ToR were signed on behalf of SACU by the executive director of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia and Coordinator of SACU-India Matters, Ms Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati, while the additional secretary in the Department of Commerce of India, Mr Shri Yashvir Singh, signed on behalf of the Republic of India.