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Heart beat of Indians and Africans are in rhythm: Modi

On Sunday, the Indian government, in association with the New Delhi Municipal Council, unveiled an India-Africa friendship rose garden at Chanakyapuri in the city.

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Africa primarily exports raw materials to India, including precious metals, gemstones and oil, which are then processed into goods such as cut diamonds or refined petroleum products.

In recent years, India has crafted a new image in Africa.

The 42 African heads of state in the audience would have likely been pleased with what they heard. The South Asian country also wants to counter China’s increasing presence on the continent. In contrast, India’s combined bilateral trade with African countries was $72 billion.

The aid would comprise $10 billion of concessional credit over the next five years, as well $600 million in grants to fund an India-Africa development fund, health fund, and 50 000 scholarships.

“It’s not just China”. Others are there as well in the scramble for resources.

“Today, the heart beat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm”, he added.

“We will also deepen India-Africa partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport and climate resilient agriculture”, he said addressing heads of African nations.

Morocco-India trade relations have also scored a steady growth. U.S. President Barack Obama visited Kenya and Ethiopia in July, after hosting African leaders at the White House previous year. It will also support the expansion of the Pan Africa E-Network and institutions of skilling, training and learning across Africa, he said.

“When we meet at Nairobi Ministerial of the WTO in December, we must ensure that the Doha Development Agenda of 2001 is not closed without achieving these fundamental objectives”, he said here.

“So we requested for an early release of these Indian detainees”. Ours is a relationship forged in the crucible of the shared struggle against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination and apartheid. He invited the African nations to join an alliance of solar-rich countries that India has proposed to launch in Paris on 30 November at the time of COP-21 meeting.

Several countries, including Cameroon, Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Benin, sought Indian assistance in dealing with Islamic extremism.

“India is the fastest-growing major economy”, Mr. Modi told African journalists ahead of the summit.

Help for Africa’s agriculture sector: India will help Africa in developing its agriculture sector, Modi promised. South Sudan wanted Indian help in cattle farming and livestock management. India, the world’s largest milk producer, said it would send dairy experts.

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Having as theme, “Reinvigorated Partnership, Shared Vision”, the IAFS which is the most representative ever in terms of representation and participation is out to reassert Africa and India on the global stage as they both look for solutions to their common problems.

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