Jaishankar Calls Africa India's Top Priority, Seeks Early India-Africa Summit Revival

During his address, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening ties with African nations and said New Delhi continues to maintain close contact with the African Union while looking forward to reconvening the deferred fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-4).

"Earlier this year, we were ready to host the African leadership at the fourth India Africa Forum Summit. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Ebola virus led to the postponement of the Summit. The decision to postpone it was jointly taken by our partners of the African Union and India," he said.

"We continue to be in close contact with the African Union and look forward to an early opportunity that is mutually convenient to reconvene IAFS-4," the External Affairs Minister added.

Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. Describing the occasion as an opportunity to reaffirm India's close relationship with the continent, Jaishankar said, "Today is an occasion to express very strong sentiments and deep bonding with Africa."

He said the hearts of Indians and Africans "beat in rhythm" and highlighted the shared aspirations of both regions.

"Together, we represent not only a very significant share of the world's population, but also a powerful joint force for global progress. Building on our shared foundations and ambitions, our two sides are ready to grasp opportunities, and co-create a bright future, one based on innovation and sustainability, and that drives our country and the Global South and the world to a better tomorrow," he said.

Jaishankar underlined that human resource development remains at the "heart of engagement" with Africa and said the India-Africa partnership has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience during times of crisis.

"Whether it was the Covid pandemic, natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, India has always stood firmly with Africa, guided by the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- the world is one family. And, we know that Africa has a similar outlook in 'Ubuntu' -- 'I Am Because We Are,'" the minister said.

Reiterating India's position, Jaishankar declared, "Let me conclude with a very clear message. Africa is our partner, Africa is our priority. Whether we speak of a multipolar world order, or of reformed multilateralism, it is our firm conviction that it will happen only when Africa is given its due place."

The minister also highlighted India's expanding diplomatic engagement with the continent, stating that the country has opened 17 new diplomatic missions in recent years, increasing its resident diplomatic presence to 46 African nations.

"India is a strong votary of Africa's rightful place in a reformed United Nations Security Council. We, similarly, seek your support to ensure India's permanent seat on the UNSC," he said.

Reflecting on the historical relationship between India and Africa, Jaishankar said the Indian Ocean has connected rather than separated the two regions.

"Our ancestors have exchanged not just goods, but also cultures, cuisines, philosophies, beliefs, knowledge, folklore and I would say, even ways of life. Our intertwined histories acquired another dimension, a sombre one during the colonial era, when our people suffered under the yoke of colonialism," he said.

He said India and African nations stood together in the common struggle for freedom and human dignity, adding that the bond continues today.

According to Jaishankar, after achieving independence, India and African countries began engaging as confident, sovereign and equal partners, laying a strong foundation for India-Africa relations while expanding cooperation across the broader Global South through South-South cooperation.

He also said India and African nations have followed parallel paths of resurgence and rejuvenation, reflected in their respective development strategies.

"In India, that ambition is expressed in the vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047, of developed India, and for Africa it is articulated through Agenda 2063 and national development visions," he said.

Jaishankar noted that India's approach towards Africa continues to be guided by the ten principles outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2018 address to the Ugandan Parliament.

He said the Kampala Principles place Africa among India's highest priorities, focusing on development partnerships, open markets, a digital revolution for Africa's development, a reformed global order and a free, inclusive maritime order.

Referring to this year's theme, "Africa: A land of rich culture and opportunities," Jaishankar said it reflects the continent's growing dynamism. He added that as conflicts increasingly affect the Global South, India and Africa have also prioritised cooperation on food security.

The External Affairs Minister further said peace and security in Africa remain of vital importance to India.

"We have stood with African partners through peacekeeping, defence training, capacity building, maritime cooperation. Guided by the vision MAHASAGAR, we shall continue to work towards safer sealanes, stronger maritime domain awareness, anti-piracy efforts, cooperative responses to emerging challenges," he said.

Concluding his address, Jaishankar said Africa stands at the cusp of transformation, driven by its demographic strength, abundant natural resources and entrepreneurial energy, while India continues its own journey of innovation-led rapid growth and qualitative transformation.