Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current visit to South Africa has presented the opportunity for the two countries to enhance trade and investment relations, President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.

"We are looking to increase and diversify South African exports to India. We have identified new areas for market access including defence, deep mining, renewable energy and health sectors," Zuma told reporters at the Union Buildings in Pretoria after a lengthy meeting with Modi.

"Future sectors identified for possible cooperation include agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, mining, water and waste management, retail, financing and infrastructure development."

India and South Africa enjoy strong relations and cooperation in social, economic, political, and global cooperation.

With regards to trade, Zuma said there were more than 100 Indian companies operating in South Africa and they contributed significantly to Pretoria’s economic growth and job creation.

"This (Friday) afternoon, we will be addressing the South Africa-India Business Forum which will add further momentum to the ties that exist between the private sectors of our respective countries," said Zuma.

"South Africa values cooperation with regards to skills development. A number of our youth study in India. We are keen to explore further opportunities for the training opportunities from India as part of youth empowerment and development."

At the joint media briefing, Modi said the two leaders had reviewed the full spectrum of the bilateral relations.

"We agreed that in the last two decades, our relationship has been a story of strong advances … Two way trade has grown by has grown by over 300 percent in the last ten years. Indian companies hold strong business interests in South Africa," said Modi.

"About one fourth of our investments in Africa are in this country and there is potential to expand our business and investment ties further, especially in the areas of minerals and mining, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, high technology manufacturing and information and communication technology."

Modi said he was convinced these industry ties would not only bring much benefit to the people of India and South Africa, but it would also drive the historic ties to unprecedented levels.

The Indian leader expressed gratitude to Zuma and the people of South Africa for the hospitality during his first visit.

"My delegation and I already feel at home in this rainbow nation. For that, we are deeply grateful to you. For me personally, this visit is an opportunity to pay homage to two of the greatest human souls who ever walked this earth – Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela."

Earlier on Friday, the South African National Defence Force’s 21 gun salute echoed at the Union Buildings as Zuma officially welcomed Modi, who is on an official visit.

The Indian flag was hoisted high at the Union Buildings as Modi walked on the red carpet, inspecting the ceremonial guard of honour.

Modi arrived in South Africa on Thursday evening. He was welcomed at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria by senior South African government officials, including International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

Before coming to South Africa, Modi on Thursday visited Maputo, Mozambique. Modi is also expected to visit Tanzania and Kenya during his continental tour and is expected to return home on Monday.