Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Thursday for a “comprehensive and concrete” agreement on climate change in December, as he addressed African leaders at a major summit in New Delhi.
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India on Thursday marked its strong presence on the world stage by hosting a summit with Africa that saw representation from all the 54 countries, including 41 heads of state, in the largest such gathering of African countries outside the continent, outdoing similar summits that China and the USA have held with the rising continent.
India aspires to a permanent seat on an expanded UN Security Council, arguing that it is rooted in the post-war global order and fails to reflect today’s power relations.
The Indian premier said India and Africa should “speak in one voice” to seek “reforms of the United Nations”.
He said India and Africa would deepen their partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport and climate resilient agriculture.
That was a coded reference to language that puts the onus on rich, historic polluters to take most responsibility for tackling climate change – a frame that the developed world is pushing back on as emerging economies increase their share of emissions.
The value of trade between India and Africa has nearly tripled since 2006, to around $70bn a year. Agriculture in Africa can drive the continents march to prosperity, and also support global food security, he stated.
He said India’s main asset is its “balanced, responsible foreign policy based on respect for global legitimacy and for the territorial integrity of states, as well as on the defence of developing countries’ interests and just causes”.
India’s total investment in Africa is approaching $35 billion, and 34 African countries have duty-free access to Indian markets.
Indian businesses active in Africa include auto parts maker Motherson Sumi Systems, pharmaceutical firms Ranbaxy and Cipla, information technology companies Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys, telecoms company Bharti Airtel, and consumer goods company Dabur India. “That era is now behind us, but the solidarity engendered by that shared struggle continues”, Swaraj said. “And I can see how the diversity of Africa matches our own, how every flag from Africa has its own special place”, she said. And, we will train African peacekeepers here and in Africa.
“The dreams of a third of humanity have come together under one roof”, he said in a speech.
In addition, India is a major exporter of pharmaceuticals and motor vehicles to African countries, and imports a significant amount of crude oil, coal, gold and gemstones from Africa.
Talking about bilateral trade between India and Africa, Modi said, the trade has more than doubled to over 70 billion dollars in less than a decade.
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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe thanked India for its development work in Africa, but said there should be a “robust evaluation and follow up mechanism as a few of the projects have been delayed”.
