In a significant speech at the Africa Day celebrations in New Delhi, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of close cooperation between India and Africa. He expressed New Delhi’s desire for a relationship built on mutual benefit and respect, describing it as a true ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ or world brotherhood.
Support for Africa in Global Forums
Jaishankar highlighted India’s support for a stronger African presence in the United Nations and other global organizations. He invited African countries to join the International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative focused on the conservation of big cats.
The minister pointed out the strengthening defence ties between India and Africa. Indian military institutions have been training officers from various African nations. In addition, India has assisted in establishing Defence Academies and Colleges in Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Indian training teams are also present in countries like Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Lesotho, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania.
#WATCH | While addressing an event celebrating Africa Day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says, "Defence relations among us our strong and they are evolving. African Defence Ministers have already held multiple meetings in India…India has also contributed to the setting… pic.twitter.com/Vfo0GXMhWH
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024
India is a major contributor to UN Peacekeeping Operations, with nearly 5000 Indian personnel currently serving in five missions across Africa. India has joined efforts to combat piracy and secure maritime navigation in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
Jaishankar noted that during India’s G20 presidency, the country emphasized the aspirations and needs of Africa. He expressed pride in the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. He also reaffirmed India’s support for the African Union’s ‘Ezulwini Consensus’ and ‘Sirte Declaration’, which advocate for greater African representation in global forums.
Collaboration in Renewable Energy and Infrastructure
The minister appreciated the participation of African countries in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). He invited African nations to join the International Big Cat Alliance, highlighting their role in helping to restore biodiversity.
#WATCH | While addressing an event celebrating Africa Day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says, "We value the participation of African nations in the international solar alliance, the global bio-fuel alliance and the coalition for a disaster resilient infrastructure…I… pic.twitter.com/guqPQRrw0N
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024
Jaishankar spoke about India’s belief in the transformative power of technology, which is providing citizen-centric services both in India and Africa. He mentioned that India’s advances in space technology offer exciting opportunities for collaboration with African countries.
Looking Forward to the India-Africa Forum Summit
Jaishankar expressed anticipation for the fourth India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), hoping it would foster a contemporary agenda for cooperation. He quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2018 statement on India’s focus on Africa, stressing that India’s priority is the people of Africa and that the partnership is built on emotional bonds and solidarity.
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Jaishankar assured that Africa remains a top priority for India. He looks forward to a relationship that is mutually beneficial and respectful, in the spirit of being a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’.
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