As India eyes better trade and commerce ties with Africa, PM Modi has addressed the third edition of India-Africa Summit in New Delhi. Today is the fourth day of the Summit and PM is addressed 41 heads of state.
Here are the key highlights:
PM Modi: I welcome all of you to this Summit and to our country.
PM Modi: Heart beat of 1.25 bn Indians and Africans are in rhythm.
PM Modi: India and Africa are one of the oldest civilizations in the world.
PM Modi: Our histories have intersected since ’80s. Once united by geography, we are now also connected by ocean, culture.
PM Modi: We have enriched each other and have strengthened our ties.
PM Modi: We have formed a partnership of prosperity. Together we have fought to keep peace and have fought against hunger and disease.
PM Modi: The youth of the country unites both the nations.
PM Modi: India and Africa and two bright spots of hope and opportunities in global economy. We are honoured to be a development partner of Africa.
PM Modi: Today 34 African countries enjoy duty free access to the Indian market.
PM Modi: Africa has enjoyed our success and has taken pride on our success. This is the kind of friendship we have.
PM Modi: Nearly 25,000 young Africans have been trained and educated in India.
PM Modi: We will also collaborate to develop Indian and African treasures of traditional knowledge and medicines
PM Modi: We will work to reduce digital divide within Africa and between Africa and rest of the world.
PM Modi: We will continue to build institutions in Africa. Technology will be a strong foundation of our partnership.
PM Modi: We will also deepen India-Africa partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport & climate resilient agriculture.
PM Modi: We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism.
External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj said in her opening address that India has always stood “for and with Africa”.
Emphasizing on India-Africa ties, the minister described the summit meeting between India and the 54 countries of Africa as a “family reunion”.