The India – Africa Development Partnership will be guided by African priorities. This was stated by Mr. T S Tirumurti, Secretary – Economic Relations, Ministry of External Affairs while addressing a Conference on Enhancing India – Africa Cooperation which was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Vivekananda International Foundation today.
Mr. Tirumurti stated that India would be supporting African nations in building capacity in various areas such as skill development. He stated that the Government was encouraging Indian industry to invest in Africa and develop linkages in the region. He felt that the integration of the region through the Continental Free Trade Agreement would provide a greater incentive for Indian industry to invest in the region.
In addition, India and Africa had considerable interest in terms of defence and security. The two regions were cooperating very closely in areas such as cybersecurity and maritime security.
In a video-message, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation stated that India and Africa have the potential to form a great partnership for the 21st century. He also highlighted that the Government was setting up a non-lapsable India-Africa Development Fund and a national export insurance account to promote bilateral economic relations with the African continent.
H E Mr. Ernest Rwamucyo, High Commissioner of Rwanda to India and representative of African Union Chair stated that India and Africa have a deep and enduring commitment to each other. He however was of the view that some of the commitments made during the India Africa Forum Summit which was held in 2015 need to be fast-tracked.
Mr. Aravind Gupta, Director, Vivekananda International Foundation stated that Africa was home to six of the world’s fastest growing economies. It is for this reason that India needed to forge linkages with this dynamic region.
Mr. Tulsi Tanti, Chairman, CII Africa Committee and Chairman & Managing Director, Suzlon Energy Ltd. stated that India can aspire to increase its engagement with Africa by developing its presence in sectors where India has a unique value proposition and African nations have high needs, such as IT services, agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.