India-Africa Forum Summit: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said – ‘Africa has an important place in India’s foreign policy’
Delhi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said Africa has an important place in India’s foreign policy today and New Delhi’s relationship with Africa is guided by a clear vision based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and shared progress.
Addressing a gathering at the unveiling of the logo, theme and website of the upcoming ‘India-Africa Forum Summit-4’, Jaishankar said, “We have gathered here to begin a new chapter in the enduring partnership between India and Africa through the India-Africa Forum Summit framework.”
The External Affairs Minister said India-Africa relations are based on “our civilizational ties”, which have evolved over centuries through cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties. He said, “India had shown solidarity towards African countries in the struggle against colonialism and this further strengthened our relations.”
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that the story of India’s freedom struggle is deeply linked to that of Africa as well. “Our shared history of struggle, solidarity, resilience and aspirations shapes our partnership,” he said.
Jaishankar said that today Africa holds an important place in India’s foreign policy. The Minister emphasized that the vision of a developed India 2047 and Africa’s ‘Agenda 2063’ are complementary roadmaps towards prosperity and progress through sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Jaishankar also said that relations between India and Africa have strengthened on key pillars with several high-level political dialogues, and India continues to support Africa’s rightful place in the global order. The minister said an “important step” in this direction was the inclusion of the African Union in the grouping during India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023. He said, “This reflects our strong belief that the voices of the Global South will have special importance in shaping global governance in the times to come.
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