Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet the heads of states of all 54 African nations on Thursday. Later, he will host bilateral meetings with leaders of countries, including Angola, Ethiopia and Egypt.
In his address, Mr. Modi announced a concessional credit of USD 10 billion over the next five years to Africa. He also announced that India would offer a grant assistance of USD 600 million. Full text of PM's statement >here .
What's on the agenda?
Today's meet will see discussions on key issues such as UNSC reforms, cooperation in fighting terror and access to heathcare.
Live updates:
11:07 am: Mr. Modi announces concessional credit of USD 10 billion over the next five years to Africa.
10:58 am: "We pledge to walk together, with our steps in rhythm and our voices in harmony."
10:54 am: "We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism"
10:50 am: "We will also deepen India-Africa partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport & climate resilient agriculture"
10:46 am: " We will work to reduce digital divide within Africa and between Africa and rest of the world"
10:45 am: " We will also collaborate to develop Indian and African treasures of traditional knowledge and medicines"
10:44 am: "Technology will be a strong foundation of our partnership"
10:39 am: "Africa and India are two bright spots of hope and opportunities in the global economy"
10:38 am: "Africa’s sports, art and music delight the entire world"
10:37 am: "African initiatives are replacing old fault lines with new bridges of regional economic integration"
10:34 am: "Two-thirds of India and Africa is under the age of 35. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape & build"
10:30 am: "The heart beat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm"
10:29 am: "It is not just a meeting of India & Africa. Today, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof"
10:28 am: "We are deeply, deeply honoured by your presence today"
10:27 am: "Fabric of this world is richer because of the 54 sovereign flags of Africa," he says
10:26 am: Mr. Modi speaks at the India-Africa Forum Summit 2015.
10:24 am : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is addressing the Forum Summit, says this is like a family reunion.
Photo: R.V. Moorthy Help change world order, Sudan tells India
Sudan’s Foreign Minister told The Hindu that his country wanted to discuss Africa’s rightful place in the changed United Nations Security Council and also wanted to highlight how American domination of world affairs was proving to be counter-productive.
Mr. Modi on Wednesday held bilateral talks with heads of several African nations during which U.N. reforms, combating challenge of terrorism and boosting trade and investment, particularly in the oil and gas sector, figured prominently. In his meeting, South African President Jacob Zuma strongly called for reform of the global governance system and said the U.N. structure, which was set up after the Second World War, could not remain relevant in 21st Century.
The Prime Minister met Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe and Chairman of the African Union. Both discussed issues of common interest, including U.N. reforms and the threat of terrorism. >More...
