India and five African countries sign terms of reference to launch trade talks

India and the five-member Southern African Customs Union (SACU)—South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini—signed the terms of reference on Wednesday to begin negotiations for a preferential trade agreement. The talks aim to provide tariff relief for Indian exports including automobiles, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery. Reuters reports the step revives the stalled dialogue between India and SACU, which had already seen five rounds of talks from 2002 to 2010 before negotiations paused. The agreement framework now sets the stage for the renewed discussions between the two sides as India looks to expand market access for key sectors.