AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the upcoming India Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi is going to be one of the biggest gatherings of African countries outside Africa. In a Facebook post, Mr Modi said, India and Africa have a historic relationship based on mutual respect, trust and solidarity, and the summit is a reflection of their desire to engage more intensively in the quest for a better future.
He said, the relationship between India and Africa has recently witnessed progress and has grown into a mutually beneficial partnership. The Prime Minister hoped that as minds meet and hands work together, the summit could be a landmark event in the journey towards further cementing their strong ties.
Mr Modi also said, India has invited leaders from all 54 African countries and the African Union, and the level of engagement for the summit has been scaled up significantly.
The four-day India Africa Forum Summit will be held in the national capital from the 26th of this month which is expected to be attended by heads of all African countries.
India is a major investor in Africa and Indian investments, close to 30 billion doillars, have contributed immensely to job creation in Africa. The trade between India and African countries is 70 billion dollars.
In the run up to Summit, many side events are being organised. Trade Ministers of India and Africa, accompanied by business delegations, will meet on 23rd of this month. A business exhibition will be organised at the Summit venue on 27th and 29th October by leading Indian chambers of commerce and industry. More than 16,000 schools are participating in various competitions organised by CBSE on themes related to India-Africa cooperation.
Briefing media in New Delhi yesterday, Secretary (West) in the External Affairs Ministry, Navtej Sarna said, the summit will provide a forum for India and Africa to discuss trade and investment. Mr Sarna said, India and Heads of the African countries will also share concern over the growing terrorism and defence co-operation.