Manmohan arrives in Johannesburg for IBSA summit

The summit will bring together the largest democracies and leading economies of Asia, Africa and Latin America in closer economic and political partnership.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday evening arrived in Johannesburg to attend the second annual India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) summit that will bring together the largest democracies and leading economies of Asia, Africa and Latin America in closer economic and political partnership.

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Energy security, enhancing inter-connectivity between people of the three countries, sharing development experiences and managing diversities are going to be reigning themes when Manmohan Singh meets South African President Thabo Mbeki and Brazilian President Lula da Silva at the ballroom of Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

In his bilateral talks with Mbeki and Lula, Manmohan Singh will also try to garner support of South Africa and Brazil - influential members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) - for the India-US nuclear deal.

The IBSA summit is aimed at expanding political and economic ties and collaboration among the three emerging powers on global issues like the UN reforms, multilateral trade talks, civil nuclear energy and terrorism.

A joint declaration will be issued at the end of the summit. Several pacts, including in human resources, culture, social development, health and medicines and higher education, are expected to be signed.