Jaishankar calls for stronger India-Africa engagement in turbulent times

Observing that the India-Africa relationship is rooted in civilisational linkages, nurtured over centuries through trade, cultural exchanges and human interactions, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the partnership between the two sides has assumed particular significance as the world navigates through complex geo-political and geo-economic challenges.

Launching the theme, logo, and website for the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit to be held in India, he said the India-Africa relationship is a message of stability in a turbulent world, of reliability in an uncertain one and of solidarity in difficult times.

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The foreign minister said defence, security and maritime cooperation play an important role in the engagement between India and Africa.’’Driven by the Vision MAHASAGAR, we are working closely with many of you to ensure the security and stability of the Indian Ocean region, combat piracy, promote safe and open sea lanes, and collaborate in UN peacekeeping operations,’’ he said.

He said the two sides are pushing new frontiers in digital, fintech, and innovation, reshaping economies across the African continent. Both India and Africa are looking forward to stronger focus on co-creation, mutual investments and joint innovation, aligned with their respective long-term development frameworks.

He was of the view that the forthcoming India-Africa Forum Summit truly presents a unique opportunity to further deepen the India-Africa engagement. The Summit will provide a platform to shape the next phase of partnership – one that is more ambitious, one that is more inclusive, and one that is more future-oriented.

Jaishankar said Africa today occupies a central place in India’s foreign policy. India’s engagement with Africa is guided by a clear vision – a vision rooted in the principle of equality, mutual respect, and of shared progress. The ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and Africa’s ‘Agenda 2063’ are both complementary road maps which are geared towards prosperity and progress through sustainable growth and inclusive development.

He noted that India has also expanded its diplomatic footprint in recent years by opening 17 new diplomatic Missions across the African continent taking the number of Indian Missions there to 46. ‘’This clearly demonstrates our long-term commitment to engaging with every region of the continent.’’

The minister said,’’A defining feature of India-Africa relations is our shared vision for more inclusive and representative global order. India has consistently supported Africa’s rightful place in global governance.’’