Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Six Commonwealth Nations Impose Tougher Sanctions on South Africa
Many years ago, in 1986, leaders from seven countries met for a big meeting called the Commonwealth summit.
Six of those countries decided to put new economic sanctions, or trading restrictions, on South Africa.
Economic sanctions are rules that stop or limit trade with a country.
The new sanctions were stronger than the ones agreed at an earlier meeting in Nassau.
Britain was the only country that refused to join.
Britain would not change its mind, even though the others disagreed.
India was one of the six countries that supported the tougher sanctions.
A prime minister said that the UK is not a leader anymore.
In the end, the countries did not all agree on what action to take.
A seven-nation Commonwealth summit concluded late on August 6, 1986.
India and five other nations decided to impose fresh economic sanctions against South Africa.
Britain refused to go along with the sanctions decision.
The six nations adopted sanctions harsher than those endorsed at the Nassau Commonwealth summit in October.
India's prime minister said the UK is not a leader any more.
- Who
- India and five other Commonwealth nations, Britain, and India's prime minister
- What
- Six of the seven nations adopted fresh economic sanctions against South Africa, harsher than those agreed at Nassau, while Britain refused to join
- When
- August 6, 1986
- Where
- At the seven-nation Commonwealth summit (specific location not stated in the article)
- Why
- The six nations wanted tougher sanctions against South Africa, while Britain refused to go along
Six Commonwealth Nations
Britain
Economic sanctions on South Africa
Six Commonwealth Nations
India and five other nations backed fresh economic sanctions against South Africa, harsher than those agreed at Nassau.
Britain
Britain refused to join the sanctions and would not budge from its position.
- Event
- Seven-nation Commonwealth summit conclusions
- Date
- August 6, 1986
- Decision
- Fresh economic sanctions against South Africa
- Supporting nations
- India and five others (six in total)
- Refusing nation
- Britain
- Compared to
- Sanctions endorsed at Nassau Commonwealth summit in October
- Notable quote
- "UK not a leader any more" - PM