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TIA NEWS
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Gen (Retd) V K Singh today met the Dean and a few representatives of African Heads of Missions (HoMs) in the wake of resentment among African diplomats on the issue of killing of a Congo national in New Delhi.
According to official sources, Singh strongly condemned the criminal act and assured them that the strongest legal action would be taken. Sources said, both Lieutenant Governor and Delhi Police Commissioner are pursuing the matter.
The Minister also assured the HoMs of India’s full support. Gen Singh will also do an outreach event with African students along with concerned Embassies to reassure them of safety and he would meet the African HOMs every three months.
On the issue of Africa Day event, the Minister impressed on the African HOMs the need to continue the tradition but also said that New Delhi will be guided by the African HOMs in the matter.
In the meantime, to underscore India’s continuing support, Secretary (Eastern Region) in External Affairs Ministry will attend the Africa Day celebrations being held by the African Missions at Dolly Farm in New Delhi this evening.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that Government is committed to the safety and security of African nationals in India. In a series of tweets, Mrs Swaraj said, the External Affairs Ministry will also launch a sensitization program to reiterate that such incidents against foreign nationals embarrass the country.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup condemned the death of the post-graduate African student in Delhi in an attack and described the incident as unfortunate.
Talking to media, he said, Ministry will ensure that justice is done and stringent punishment given to those involved in the attack. He said Secretary (Economic Relations) Amar Sinha, who handles relations with Africa, met some African Heads of Missions and explained that two suspects been arrested and one is on run.