ASHOK B SHARMA / AMN /
India today asked the African nation to deepen cooperation in maritime security and hydrography and countering terrorism and extremism.
Addressing third edition of India Africa Forum Summit, IAFS, in New Delhi today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also vouched for India-Africa partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport and climate resilient agriculture. Mr Modi said India and Africa must speak in one voice for reforms of the United Nations, including its Security Council.
India Africa Forum Summit
The Prime Minister announced concessional credit of ten billion US dollars for African countries over the next five years. This will be in addition to the ongoing credit programme. India also offered a grant assistance of six hundred million US dollars. This will include an India- Africa development fund of 100 million US dollars and India-Africa Health Fund of ten million US dollars. It will also include 50 thousand scholarships in India over the next five years and will support expansion of the Pan-Africa e-network and institution of skilling, training and learning across Africa.
Noting that IAFS is not just a meeting of India and Africa, Mr Modi said, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof. He said, fabric of the world is richer because of the 54 sovereign flags of Africa.
Mentioning that technology will be a strong foundation of India-Afrcia partnership, Mr Modi said, both must work together to reduce digital divide within Africa and between Africa and rest of the world. He said, collaboration would be made to develop Indian and African treasures of traditional knowledge and medicines.
Mr Modi said, 2/3rd of India and Africa is under the age of 35. He said, as we look to the future, there is something precious that unites us and it is our youth.
Earlier, addressing the Summit, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, India will always stand with Africa. Mrs Swaraj said, in the past India and Africa were united by geology, but today both are united by the goal of peace, progress and prosperity.
Representatives of 54 African nations including Heads of State and Government representatives of around 40 countries and African Union are attending the Summit.