Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday outlined 10 guiding principles for deepening India’s engagement with Africa to help in its economic growth and tackle challenges such as terrorism and climate change.
Mr. Modi, who arrived here on Tuesday, addressed the Parliament of Uganda and said India was proud to be Africa’s partner.
“Uganda is central to our commitment to the continent,” he said in his address, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in the Parliament of Uganda.
He said Uganda, also known as the “Pearl of Africa”, was a land of immense beauty, great wealth of resources and rich heritage.
He said the two nations were connected to each other by ancient maritime links, the dark ages of colonial rule, the shared struggle for freedom and the uncertain paths as independent countries in a divided world.
“Today, India and Africa stand on the threshold of a future of great promise: as confident, secure, youthful, innovative, and dynamic people,” he said, adding that Uganda was an example of Africa on the move.
He said India’s engagement with Africa would be guided by 10 principles and described them in detail.
“We will strengthen our cooperation and mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism; keeping our cyberspace safe and secure; and, supporting the UN in advancing and keeping peace,” he said.
Open oceans
He said India would work with African nations to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations.
“The world needs cooperation and not competition in the eastern shores of Africa and the eastern Indian Ocean. That is why India’s vision of Indian Ocean security is cooperative and inclusive, rooted in security and growth for all in the region,” he said, apparently referring to China’s manoeuvres in the Horn of Africa, including opening its first so-called support base on the continent in Djibouti last year.
“We will support our industry to invest in Africa,” Mr. Modi said.
India will harness its experience with digital revolution to support Africa’s development; improve delivery of public services; extend education and health; spread digital literacy; expand financial inclusion; and mainstream the marginalised, he said.
“We will work with you to improve Africa’s agriculture,” he said.
