At the invitation of the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Republic of India, H E Mr George Fernandes, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, will lead a delegation of senior Ministry and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) officials to India on the occasion of DEFEXPO INDIA '99, from 09 to 16 October 1999. South Africa will have a national pavilion at DEFEXPO INDIA '99 for the exhibition of products of the South African defence industry.

The visit by Mr Lekota is viewed as a further concrete step in the practical implementation of the Strategic Partnership between India and South Africa.

DEFEXPO INDIA '99,will provide an opportunity for South Africa to display its capacity in defence and niche industrial capabilities. The Indian indigenously-developed Arjun Tank, fitted with a South African T6 turret (155mm Artillery howitzer) will be on display for the first time. This development took place in terms of an earlier agreement on Defence Cooperation between the two countries, and is setting the pace for an increase in the establishment of military and non-military joint ventures between South Africa and India.

Minister Lekota will use the opportunity to meet with senior leaders and officials of the Government of India,to exchange views on matters of mutual interest, including giving further impetus to the Strategic Partnership. Under the Strategic Partnership, India and South Africa have achieved a rapid expansion of economic ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations six years ago. According to the latest forecast, it is projected that total trade between India and South Africa will increase to more than US$ 2 billion in 1999.

Mr Lekota became Minister of Defence on 17 June 1999 in the Cabinet of President T M Mbeki. Before his appointment to Cabinet, he served as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (equivalent to Speaker of Rajya Sabha), after having served as Premier of the Free State province.