NEW DELHI: The India-Africa relationship is entering a “new and decisive phase” and the two sides are preparing to take relations to a higher and more significant level, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margarita said on Tuesday.
In his speech at a function held at Bharat Mandapam here, he also emphasized that India and Africa are vibrant civilizations dating back thousands of years, linked by centuries of trade, commerce and cultural exchanges.
Several diplomats from various African countries present in India, representatives of several organizations working to promote India-Africa relations, among others, attended the ‘Yuva Bharat Global Forum’ held at the Summit Hall.
Margarita said that India-Africa relations are deeply rooted in civilizational ties, strengthened by centuries of trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people relations.
He added that relations between the two sides were strengthened as a result of the struggle against colonialism.
The Ministry of Defense also noted the recent unveiling of the logo, theme and website for the upcoming 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in Delhi in the presence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
The summit’s logo features a lion, superimposed on an image depicting interlocking maps of India and the continent of Africa.
It bears the slogan “A lasting partnership and a common vision,” and the date of the summit is May 28-31.
As the world navigates through complex geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, the India-Africa partnership assumes special importance and will be a message of “stability” and “reliability” in a turbulent and uncertain world, Jaishankar said in his speech at the partnership unveiling ceremony held on April 23.
Margherita said that the Yuva Bharat Global Forum is being held at a particular moment when “India-Africa relations are entering a new and decisive phase.”
Referring to the summit, he further said that it shows that India and Africa are “poised to take the partnership to a much higher and more meaningful level”.
Margareta stressed that “Africa occupies a pivotal position in India’s foreign policy.”
Defence, security and maritime cooperation “plays an important role in our engagement”, the Defense Ministry said. Driven by the Mahasagar vision, India is working with several African countries to ensure security and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
He also stressed that India has expanded its diplomatic presence in Africa in recent years by opening 17 new missions across the continent, bringing the number of Indian missions in Africa to 46.
Diplomats from Kenya, Ethiopia and other countries also shared their thoughts during the opening session of the event.
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