Ramaphosa and Putin meet in India to discuss strengthening bilateral trade - EWN

President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have met in India to discuss strengthening bilateral trade.

The eighteenth BRICS summit is underway in New Delhi, India.

The meeting of BRICS leaders comes amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war over which Pretoria has maintained a neutral stance, calling for a peaceful dialogue.

Ramaphosa and Putin's meeting was held in-camera with only welcoming remarks made public.

"Thank you very much, president putin. It's always a real pleasure to see you, uh because uh that gives us an opportunity to continue to strengthen our relations," said Ramaphosa.

Putin confirmed more South African students will be eligible to study in Russia next year. 

"Our trade volume is not moving forward so fast, but nevertheless, it increases and remains at a good level. We maintain regular contacts in humanitarian sphere, in education and personnel training. For the years 2026-2027, we increased the quota, scholarship quota for your students."