India-SACU PTA Talks: Terms of Reference Signed
Why in the news
In August 2026 India and a southern African trade bloc agreed the framework document that opens talks on a preferential trade deal.
Key facts
- Document signed: Terms of Reference (ToR) to begin Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) negotiations.
- Distinction: India’s first ToR signing with the African region.
- Counterpart: the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
About SACU
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Oldest customs union in the world |
| Founded | 1910 |
| Secretariat | Windhoek, Namibia |
| Members (5) | South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini |
Exam angle
- Acronym: SACU; headquarters city: Windhoek.
- Agreement type being negotiated: PTA, not a full FTA.
- Count of members: five.