Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Group Photo Session at the IAFS
Heart beat of Indians and Africans are in rhythm: Modi
The meeting of India and African nations brings one third of humanity under one roof, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday at the India-Africa Forum Summit.
“The heart beat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm. It is not just a meeting of India and Africa. Today, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof,” Mr. Modi said addressing the summit.
“We have spoken in one voice in the world and we have formed a partnership of prosperity among ourselves,” he said.
The prime minister said the relations between India and Africa are above strategic and economic interests.
“We will help connect Africa... We will help develop infrastructure, power and help add value to your resources,” Mr. Modi said addressing heads of the different African nations here at the summit.
Stresses on UN Reforms
The need for UN Security Council reform featured in almost all bilateral meetings Mr. Modi had with African leaders on Wednesday, with the leaders dubbing the world body’s current structure as “outdated”.
India and Africa were “on the same page” on the Security Council reform, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters after the meetings.
The MEA spokesman said the issue of terrorism and trade figured in many meetings and the prime minister pushed for adoption of the UN’s comprehensive convention on international terrorism. He said Mr. Modi felt that countries should not get sidetracked by the manner in which terrorism was defined.
During his meeting with Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Modi raised the issue of 11 Indian crew members of one of our ships who are in jail in Nigeria. He made a request for the judicial process to be expedited and their repatriation.
To the demand from several African countries for increase in scholarships, Mr. Swarup said that the prime minister’s response was very positive. Asked about the defence cooperation sought by some African countries, he said it was largely restricted to training.
Tanmaya Lal, joint secretary (East and South Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, who also briefed the media, said the prime minister’s first meeting was with Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe. “The UN reforms figured prominently as also fight against terrorism,” Mr. Lal said.
He said Ghana president John Dramani Mahama sought an increase in Indian scholarships. The two sides also discussed cyber and maritime security. King of Swaziland Mswati III sought more cooperation in agriculture and renewable energy. In his meeting with Ugandan President Yoheri Museveni, Mr. Modi referred to his visit to the country as the then chief minister of Gujarat. There was reference to defence cooperation in the meeting and ways to boost cooperation in education.
Mr. Modi thanked Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh for his cooperation in evacuation of Indian nationals from Yemen. Djibouti had opened their port to Indian ships during the crisis.
Mr. Modi also met Sao Tome and Principe’s Prime Minister Patrice Emery Trovoada, Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba, African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Guinean President Alpha Conde and Botswana Vice-President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.