The Fourth India Africa Hydrocarbon Conference (IAHC) is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on January 21st and 22nd, 2016. The Conference is aimed at greater cooperation between India and African continent towards ‘Development Transmitting Partnership’ in the field of Hydrocarbons. It is a continuation of the discussion revolving around synergies between India and Africa and will strengthen the ties between the two. The partnership would enable India to enhance its energy security while nurturing Africa’s Hydrocarbon’s sector growth on several fronts like capacity building, environmental sustainability, human resource development and employment generation.
India and African nations have always enjoyed strong historical, political and cultural ties. India is importing close to 75 percent of its crude oil requirements while several African nations are rich in hydrocarbon resources. This serves as the catalyst to encourage proper cooperation beyond the hydrocarbon energy sector where investment capital from India can be secured in allied projects for development needs of African countries.
In the third Indo-African Summit held in New Delhi in October, 2015, the key areas were outlined in which India and Africa will work together. Energy security stands as one of the major focus area of the bilateral ties. Africa with its huge hydrocarbon resources and India with its rapidly rising demand of huge human resource, experience, technology and ability to invest capital are natural partners, poised for future growth. African imports play a significant role in meeting the demands of India to an extent that Nigeria stood as the second largest supplier of oil to India in June, 2015. Owing to rich natural resources in Africa, there are opportunities at various levels to be partners in growth with India which is also visible in Indian Government Policies, with a push to the Indian National Oil Companies to enhance their partnerships with African nations.
The 4th India Africa Hydrocarbon Conference (IAHC) aims to explore opportunities, bridge boundaries and boost bilateral trade between India and Africa. The Conference will provide a global forum for Energy Ministers and Delegates of African Countries to share their vision and chart out the road map for extended energy cooperation in the coming days. The Conference will bring together leaders in the worlds of energy to network with other influential peers, gaining new perspective by hearing distinguished CEOs from India and abroad, exchange expert insights, and develop strategies for the next big steps towards enhanced energy cooperation.
In the Conference, 22 African nations are likely to participate. Nine of them will be represented by their Ministers. These countries are Algeria, Morocco, Mauritius, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan, Tunisia, Senegal and Equatorial Guinea. The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will deliver the inaugural address on 21st January, 2016. The Conference will conclude on 22nd January, 2016 with his remarks and valedictory address by the Minister of External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj. Besides, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will also have bilateral meetings with the Ministers representing the African countries. There will be several panel discussions and ministerial sessions.
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