UPSC Prelims 2007 Q15: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
Which of the following countries signed the Tshwane Declaration in October 2006?
- (a) China and South Africa
- (b) India and South Africa
- (c) South Africa and Botswana
- (d) Saudi Arabia and South Africa
Answer: (b) India and South Africa
Explanation
Tshwane Declaration, October 2006
| Country pair | Correct? |
|---|---|
| China and South Africa | No |
| India and South Africa | Yes — signed in Pretoria/Tshwane, Oct 2006 |
| South Africa and Botswana | No |
| Saudi Arabia and South Africa | No |
The Tshwane Declaration was signed by India and South Africa in October 2006 during a summit in Pretoria (Tshwane), strengthening bilateral strategic partnership between the two countries.
Answer: (b) India and South Africa.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. China was not a signatory to this bilateral declaration.
- (b) CORRECT. India and South Africa signed the Tshwane Declaration in October 2006.
- (c) Incorrect. Botswana was not a party to this declaration.
- (d) Incorrect. Saudi Arabia was not a party to this declaration.
Key point
Tshwane Declaration (October 2006): signed between India and South Africa.
Remember
Tshwane Declaration (2006): India and South Africa.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Tshwane (Pretoria's official name) with another African city/country.
- Mixing up this bilateral declaration with multilateral agreements (e.g., IBSA).
- Not associating the declaration's name with South Africa's administrative capital.
Exam tip
Tshwane = Pretoria, South Africa's capital — link the declaration directly to India-South Africa relations.
Sources
- Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India — Tshwane Declaration: India–South Africa strategic partnership (Pretoria, October 2006)
- Prime Minister's Office, Government of India — Prime Minister's visit to South Africa (October 2006)