External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said, India stands for inclusive, demand-driven development cooperation with Africa that enhances local capacity to support national priorities.

 

Speaking on the occasion of Africa Day in New Delhi yesterday, Dr Jaishankar noted that India is proud to be one of Africa’s largest trade and investment partners and the bilateral trade between the two nations stood at 93 billion last year. He added that India has also emerged as one of the top investors in Africa, with cumulative investments exceeding 80 billion dollar. 

 

Dr Jaishankar said, India’s approach to Africa is guided by the ten principles outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the Ugandan Parliament in 2018. He added these principles enshrine Africa among the top priorities of India with engagements through demand driven development partnerships, open markets for trade and investment, digital revolution for Africa’s development. 

 

The External Affairs Minister stressed that India’s enduring commitment to the Global South and the African Continent is reflected in the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of G20 during India’s presidency.