He emphasised India’s initiatives to bring about a socio-cultural transformation of the African countries and in reference highlighted the historical ties between India and Africa. In the past India had supported African countries in their fight against colonialism, apartheid, poverty, disease, illiteracy and hunger. “The foundation of Indo-Africa ties is based upon equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit”, he said.
He also said that India continues to strengthen its relations with Africa by boosting trade and commerce, building infrastructure and offering scholarships to African students. India recently, extended a line of credit for the Ethiopia- Djibouti rail link.
Earlier, welcoming the delegates, Dr. Arvind Gupta of IDSA, reiterated the institute’s commitment to continue to hold many such bilateral dialogues to further strengthen Indo-African relations.
The conclave had three sessions on Global Strategic Issues, UN Peacekeeping and Prospects of Conflict Resolution and Piracy, chaired respectively by the former Indian Foreign Secretary Shashank, Distinguished Fellow of Observer Research Foundation, HHS Vishwanathan, and the Director, National Maritime Foundation, Vice Admiral (Retd) Pradeep Kaushiva.
India and Africa have in past shared a close relationship that hinged on the common struggle against colonialism, apartheid, poverty, disease, illiteracy and hunger. The first India Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in 2008 marked the beginning of a robust and contemporary partnership. The second Africa India Forum Summit, held in Addis Ababa in May 2011, emphasised the renewed focus of India to strengthen and enhance its partnership with countries in the African continent.
Both, India and Africa have identified climate change, food, energy and the financial crisis as the common challenges that face the world today. Both India and Africa are committed to a balanced outcome of the climate change negotiations. Reform of the United Nations and the increased participation of developing countries in the decision making process are goals that both India and Africa identify with.
India to work with African nations to counter maritime piracy
ASHOK B SHARMA - 2011-11-24 15:14
New Delhi: India has decided to work with African countries on issues relating to global security, particularly terrorism and maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia, said the Secretary (West) in the Indian External Affairs Ministry, M Ganapathi while delivering his inaugural address at the India-Africa Strategic Dialogue, organised by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) here on Thursday.