by Benson Agoha | International
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria is among som 41 Leaders of African Nations that are gathered in the Indian Capital New Delhi for the Indo-African Summit. On arrival, the Nigerian President and his entourage were driven the the airport terminal with a golf cart.
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| * President Burari (capped) is driven to Baggage Claim on a Golf Cart) |
Being the third summit between India and Africa, it is the latest in a series of new partnerships taking place around the world, as nations realign for better social and economic benefits.
In some respects the summit reflects similarities with the recent agreement between the United States and their Pacific Partners. And if the Chino-British love in is called the Golden Relationship, the Indo Africa Forum Summit shows a golden partnership between India and 54 African countries.
The five day event began with consultations on official level. It was then followed by the Head of States-governments level summit which is holding today in New Delhi.
On the last day - Thursday October 30, 20145 scheduled bilateral meetings are expected to take place.
India President Narendra Modi who, earlier this year visited the South Western flanks of the United States to meet with CEO of major Tech Companies, has spoken of the summit - his biggest diplomatic outreach that involved a larde number of delegates from one continent.
As he took the stands, President Modi said India has formed a partnership of prosperity with African nations. And that the world has become richer because of the 54 sovereign flags of Africa.
President Modi said that in the new world order, going together was the way. And he admonished that "If you want to go fast, go alone, but if your want to go far, go together". And the Indian PM Modi announced $10 billion credit for Africa countries, including grant assistance of $600 million. 50 thousand of scholarships.
As he took the stands, President Modi said India has formed a partnership of prosperity with African nations. And that the world has become richer because of the 54 sovereign flags of Africa.
President Modi said that in the new world order, going together was the way. And he admonished that "If you want to go fast, go alone, but if your want to go far, go together". And the Indian PM Modi announced $10 billion credit for Africa countries, including grant assistance of $600 million. 50 thousand of scholarships.
He told his African visitors that "as we look to the future, there is something precious that unites us — our youth, and that India will make available "our space assets and technology."
He told them: "We are among the world’s oldest civilisations. We are each a vibrant mosaic of languages, religions and cultures."
Today, we pledge to walk together, with our steps in rhythm and our voices in harmony:
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| * PM Narendra Modi make's his speech |
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| * India Minister of External Affairs: Sushma Swaraj |
He told them: "We are among the world’s oldest civilisations. We are each a vibrant mosaic of languages, religions and cultures."
Today, we pledge to walk together, with our steps in rhythm and our voices in harmony. And while the two blocks might have been previously united by geology, Suschma Swaraj, India's External Affairs Minister said "In the past we were united by geology, but today we are united by the goal of peace, progress & prosperity".
And she outlines the pillars of the Indo-Africa partnership as economic growth, development and empowerment, saying: "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
Highlights of PM Modi's speech is as follow:
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| * Venue: The Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi |
* It is not just a meeting of India & Africa. Today, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof
* The heart beat of 1.25 billion Indians & 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm.
* 2/3rd of India & Africa is under the age of 35. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape & build.
* Africa's economic growth has gathered momentum and has a more diversified base.
* African initiatives are replacing old fault lines with new bridges of regional economic integration.
* Africa's sports, art and music delight the entire world.
* Africa is now joining global mainstream of innovation.
* We have formed a partnership of prosperity among ourselves.
* Africa and India are two bright spots of hope and opportunity in the global economy.
* India honoured to be a development partner of Africa. Partnership beyond strategic concerns and economic benefits, it is formed on emotional bonds.
* India and Africa must speak in one voice for reforms of the United Nations, including its Security Council.
* In the last three years alone, nearly 25,000 young Africans have been trained and educated in India. They are the 25,000 new links between us.
* India announced concessional credit of $10 million over the next five years for Africa. India also offers a grant assistance of $600 million which will include India-Africa Development Fund of $100 million and India-Africa.
* We will also deepen India-Africa partnership on clean energy, sustainable habitats, public transport & climate resilient agriculture: PM
* We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and extremism.
* We pledge to walk together, with our steps in rhythm and our voices in harmony.
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