India supportive to have South Africa join BRIC

"India of course remains extremely supportive of South Africa joining BRIC because India not only has its own relationship with South Africa but would also like to see opportunities for close collaboration with South Africa strengthened further", Gupta said as he addressed South African politicians, academics, and business leaders.

Gupta said India and South Africa had strong economics relationships, which was an important hallmark of any relationships in the present times, but that was not the only level of the relationship between the two countries.

"We build upon our historical legacies; our cultural connect; the presence of so many people of the Indian diaspora here, and as important developing countries, we have much to dialogue about; much to consult about and coordinate," the High Commissioner said.

"The Indian government attaches a lot of priority to very close connections (with South Africa) both at bilateral level and at the regional multi-lateral level - in the G20 forum; in the IBSA forum and we very much hope that South Africa will be able to join BRIC in the not too distant future," Gupta said.