India looks at Africa as natural partner: EAM

Describing India-Africa ties as “deep-rooted”, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said Africa will be at the “top of our priorities”, and New Delhi looks forward to a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship in the true spirit of being a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’.

In his address at an event held here to celebrate Africa Day, he also said India has expanded its diplomatic footprint in Africa with the total number of Indian missions in that continent now standing at 45.

The Union minister shared some data and information related to India-Africa ties in multiple sectors, from education to infrastructure, and said for all these reasons and more, “India and Africa must engage and must work together very closely”.

He recalled the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 when he said — ‘India’s priority is not just Africa; India’s priority is Africans — every man, woman and child in Africa. Our partnership with Africa is beyond strategic concerns and economic benefits. It is based on the emotional bonds we share and the solidarity we feel’.

“I assure you that Africa will be at the top of our priorities. We look forward to a mutually beneficial and mutually respectful relationship in the true spirit of being a Vishwa Bandhu,” Jaishankar said.

Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

“Africa, we all know, is today undergoing very rapid changes. These span from being the cradle of human civilisation to becoming the land of the future,” Jaishankar said.