Indian PM calls for cooperation with Africa in United Nations reforms, counter-terrorism

“This is a meeting of dreams of one third of the humanity under one roof”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the biggest gathering of foreign dignitaries in New Delhi since 1983 Non-Aligned Summit as the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit kicked off at Indira Gandhi stadium on Thursday.

“We want to give the summit’s co-chairpersons, President Mugabe and Prime Minister Modi thumbs up for clearly articulating Africa and India’s positions on the United Nations reforms, especially the Security Council”, said Minister Mumbengegwi.

Mr Modi urged African nations to support reform of the UN, saying it and other global institutions “risked becoming irrelevant” if they did not adapt to a changing political and economic landscape.

Participants at the summit also chose to push for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, now comprised of China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States. “Japan, the United States, and several emerging markets, such as Malaysia, Brazil, Turkey, are all looking at Africa in their quest for resources”, said Ruchita Beri, an Africa specialist at New Delhi’s Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses.

Much of central Delhi has been shut down as the African leaders are being ferried across town in limousines and on Wednesday night, they turned out wearing colourful Indian turbans and jackets at an official dinner.

“These are gifts highly appreciated by us”.

“Africa, like the rest of the developing world, has its development challenges”.

India has promised to help train soldiers in counterterrorism and counterinsurgency tactics, Kohli said.

“It also opens doors to opportunities for the youth”.

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. When terror snuffs out life on the streets and beaches, and in malls and schools of Africa, we feel your pain as our own.

Prime Minister underscored the strong civilisational and historical links that bonds India and Africa, a continent with which, the country shares legacy of unyoking colonial rule, traversing independent paths towards building a better future for its 2.5 billion people.

Modi outlined a roadmap for increased Indian interaction with countries in Africa in a range of areas including connectivity, infrastructure, power and agriculture – his speech evoking loud cheers from the leaders.