Discussions with Motlanthe covered key aspects of bilateral relations and steps being taken to consolidate and diversify the strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.

On the issue of cooperation at the multilateral level, Sharma briefed the deputy president on a ministerial meeting on WTO to be held in New Delhi from Sep 3-4 to make progress on the Doha Round of talks.

Sharma is expected to call on President Jacob Zuma and also hold bilateral meetings with Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane as well as Davies.

On Monday both Sharma and Davies will address a meeting of CEOs of both countries before the Indian minister concludes his visit Monday evening as the keynote speaker at the Gordon Institute of Business Science here on India's economic engagement with Africa.