It is a privilege to address the inaugural session of this uniquely representative august gathering from Africa and Bharat. Both being 1.4 Billion each. I welcome all distinguished dignitaries to Bharat.
I extend my warmest greetings to you all and convey the best wishes of the people of India to yours.
The theme of this India-Africa Business Conclave, ‘Creating One Future’, is deeply embedded in our civilisational ethos, and amplified in the motto of India’s G20 Presidentship, which stood for ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
Excellencies, Conclave is an opportunity for us to come together to deliberate on contemporaneously relevant theme and synergise our efforts towards creating a common future for the well-being of all!
'Creating One Future' is quintessential to humanity's sustainability, and this challenge can no longer be delayed, with public participation being its hallmark - a path I am confident the deliberations will chart.
It is critical for all countries to collectively focus their efforts on combating the greatest threat to humanity, climate change - a ticking bomb, through concerted efforts and mass involvement and Optimum utilisation of resources as we no longer can wait as we have no other planet to inhabit.
Another focus of the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership would surely afford opportunities either side to fully exploit the growth and participatory avenues in varied areas including building strong financial partnerships, infrastructure transformation, and space sector cooperation or fostering value chains in agriculture, mining and food processing sectors, just to refer some.
Excellencies, unprecedented growth over the past decade, Bharat with massive digitization, and technological advancements, offers numerous avenues for cooperation and presents opportunities for mutual benefit and shared success.
The deep-rooted ties between India and Africa, forged by shared histories, common struggles, and mutual aspirations for a just and progressive future, equitable world order make this partnership a natural and stronger than ever.
India has invested over $12.37 billion in 206 infrastructure projects across 43 African countries, impacting lives. India also provides capacity-building, training, and educational opportunities, reflecting its commitment to the African Union's priorities like African Union's focus for this year ‘Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century’.
Excellencies, India is Africa's 4th largest trading partner, with $85 billion in bilateral trade and $75 billion in investments. The AfCFTA and India's DFTP scheme offer enormous opportunities for deeper economic integration and mutual development.
India, the largest democracy on the planet, most vibrant and home to one sixth of humanity has nurtured its bonds with Africa in People-to -people relations with extension of e-Visa facilities to 33 African countries.
Diplomatic footprint enhancing in Africa with the opening of 16 new diplomatic Missions, taking the total number of Indian Missions in the continent to 46 is a pointer of our growth trajectory.
Excellencies, During COVID-19, India aided Africa with medical supplies and vaccines. India and Africa have strong defence ties, with Indian military training and third largest UN peacekeeping contributions. India also actively participates in maritime security and has taken initiatives in African regions in this direction.
Excellencies, India and Africa forge crucial global partnerships to address complex challenges. India's rise and inclusive multilateralism drive progress for the Global South.
Excellencies, the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 alongside the European Union which was already there during our Presidency in 2023 is a matter of great pride and a very significant geo-political development. To further provide a voice to Africa in the UN, we also completely stand behind the African Union’s ‘Ezulwini Consensus’ and the ‘Sirte Declaration’.
Excellencies, we greatly value the participation of African countries in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) which is headquartered in India, the Global Biofuel Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Excellencies, India is thankful to Africa for helping to recreate our bio-diversity by providing us with Cheetahs and invites African countries to join the International Big Cat Alliance. This development enthused the nation and brought an emotive connect between Bharat and Africa.
Friends, India has leveraged digital technology to revolutionise public services, this has earned global accolades. It has been of the highest order the technological world has so far seen, collaborating this expertise with Africa on initiatives like "India Stack". India's space program offers Africa tech-based solutions to advance towards achieving sustainable development. This is an area that offers enormous avenues and INDIA in this direction is now one of global leaders.
Excellencies, India is naturally aligned with Africa's imperative to reduce its dependence on raw material exports and better integrate its production and trade activities into the global economy. Initiatives in this direction I am sure will surely emerge in innovative fashion out of the deliberations the august presence dignitaries will have here.
Friends, Africa's natural resources, and I had the good occasion to listen to each of the Hon’ble Vice-Presidents. Demographic advantage, and growing economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement AfCFTA make it an attractive destination for investments and partnerships. Nothing could be wholesome, soothing and seamless then generating qualitatively this partnership during the deliberations to take it to the next level.
Excellencies, A resurgent Africa and a rising India, imagine the scenario, resurgent Africa and a rising India can give a strong impetus to South-South Cooperation, especially in areas like clean technology, climate-resilient agriculture, maritime security, connectivity, and the blue economy.
India looks forward to organising the India-Africa Forum Summit IV to provide a more contemporary agenda for cooperation between the two sides.
Excellencies, we accord highest assurance 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.
Distinguished audience when I let my ears to the rich discourse by the Hon’ble Vice Presidents, each of them surcharged me, energised me, they reflected on the potential that is available between the two countries.
India an economy on the upsurge, an economy on the rise. The rise has been exponential and historic in the last decade, recognised globally has much to offer to the world and in particular Africa and I am sure the deliberations here will surely have much to take away and get realised on the ground soon.
India and Africa's growth partnership can serve as a catalyst and I am confident optimistic it will serve as a catalyst for accelerated global rebalancing and the strengthening of the Global South, which augurs well for global peace and harmony.
While the deliberations will be extremely fruitful, productive and take us to the next level of development in our journey.
Let us continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship in varied fashion, enhance our cooperation at all levels, and work together in every field for welfare of humanity and primarily focus being on realisation of full potential of the human resource, rich mineral wealth,rich natural resources either side and convert this partnership which is already vibrant into revolutionary, transformative one so that this part of the globe contributes to global stability, global harmony.
I conclude with an observation, Rise of India, growth of India, home to one sixth of humanity, vibrant democracy, constitutionally structured at all levels augurs for global stability and peace.
India's participation, India's footfall, India's hand-holding, India seeking to work in togetherness is antithetical to expansion. Historically, this nation has never believed in expansion. Therefore, our partnership, this partnership which is structured deeply into history, has the potential to contribute to big global change for the betterment of humanity.
Thank you.
