Emphasis on India's role in the Global South, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar talks to African journalists

New Delhi: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met journalists from 15 East and Southern African countries and discussed the changes taking place in India, India's commitment towards the Global South and India-Africa relations. He appreciated the India-Africa partnership's options in trade, digital public infrastructure and foreign policy.

In a post on X, he said, “It was a great pleasure to meet journalists from 15 East and Southern African countries in Delhi today. Talked to him about the changes taking place in India, India's commitment towards the Global South and the expansion of India-Africa relations.
“I appreciate their interest in India’s foreign policy choices, trade relations with Africa and cooperation on digital public infrastructure.”

Delighted to meet journalists from 15 East and Southern African countries today in Delhi.

Spoke to them about the transformation underway in India, India’s commitment to Global South and expanding India-Africa ties.

Appreciate their interest in India’s foreign policy choices,… pic.twitter.com/qPR9Ur3yCI

—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 18, 2024

In an effort to strengthen ties with Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nigeria last month, the first visit to the country by an Indian prime minister in 17 years. During his visit, PM Modi had a fruitful discussion with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focused on strengthening their partnership in sectors such as defence, technology, health and education.

The two leaders also agreed to work together to meet the development aspirations of the Global South. Additionally, India announced that it would send 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support Nigeria's flood relief efforts.
Sharing a post on Twitter, PM Modi wrote, “Thank you Nigeria for a productive visit which will strengthen and energize the India-Nigeria friendship.”

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Nigerian President Tinubu discussed “global and regional issues” and agreed to work together to “fulfill the development aspirations of the Global South”. “To strengthen long-term relations between the world's largest democracy and Africa's largest democracy,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja today.

The leaders discussed ways to further strengthen India-Nigeria strategic partnership and enhance cooperation in trade, investment, education, energy, health, defense and security, culture and P2P relations.

They also discussed global and regional issues. President Tinubu acknowledged India's efforts to raise the concerns of developing countries through the Voice of the Global South summits. “The two leaders agreed to work together to meet the development aspirations of the Global South.”

(with agency input)