New Delhi, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in significant bilateral discussions with African leaders on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He met with Everiste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union, Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, and Kashim Shettima Mustafa, Vice President of Nigeria.
During these meetings, they explored ways to advance cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, health, agriculture, defense, energy, digital technology, and global issues. Modi and Ndayishimiye highlighted the India-Africa partnership as a vital pillar of collaboration among countries in the Global South. They also discussed India’s role in integrating the African Union into the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023 and the upcoming Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV).
Modi praised the African Union’s leadership in effectively managing the Ebola outbreak, while Ndayishimiye acknowledged India’s medical assistance in controlling the outbreak through support from the Africa CDC. They reviewed the warm and united relations between India and Burundi, emphasizing areas of economic cooperation, development partnerships, agricultural modernization, healthcare, and capacity building.
In his meeting with President Ramaphosa, Modi assessed the progress of the India-South Africa strategic partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the cooperation achieved across various sectors and discussed strengthening their multifaceted strategic ties. They reaffirmed the long-standing close relationship founded on shared historical struggles, cultural connections, and robust economic ties. They also deliberated on global issues of mutual interest and agreed to continue close coordination on multilateral platforms.
Modi invited South Africa to consider joining the International Big Cat Alliance, referencing the successful relocation of cheetahs from South Africa to India. Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for Modi’s warm hospitality and thanked him for the successful organization of the BRICS summit.
Additionally, Modi met with Nigeria’s Vice President Shettima, who led the Nigerian delegation at the summit. They reviewed various aspects of India-Nigeria relations and expressed satisfaction with progress in trade, investment, defense, energy partnerships, agriculture, health, and digital technology. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening the India-Nigeria strategic partnership.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of common interest, including the priorities and concerns of the Global South. They emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation on multilateral platforms and working together towards a more representative, inclusive, and multipolar international order.
Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening partnerships with Nigeria and enhancing engagement with Africa. Shettima appreciated India’s developmental experiences and its contributions to capacity building and economic growth in Nigeria.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, these meetings reinforced a shared commitment to building a strong, future-oriented partnership between India and African countries, contributing to peace, prosperity, and development in both nations and the broader Global South.
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