Must ensure Africa doesn't become 'theater of rival ambitions': Swaraj
(Sourced from PTI)
India will work with Africa to keep the oceans open for benefit of all nations, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, asserting that the two sides must work together to ensure that the second largest continent doesn't again turn into a "theater of rival ambitions". India's own quest for reforms in global institutions is incomplete without an equal place for Africa, she said.
"We will work with Africa to keep the oceans open and free for the benefit of all nations," Swaraj said. "India's vision of Indian Ocean Security is cooperative and inclusive, rooted in security and growth for all in the region. We must all work together to ensure that Africa does not once again turn into a theater of rival ambitions," the Minister said.
The Indian Ocean has been witnessing a growing presence of China. The African continent too has been witnessing an increasing presence of Beijing. Swaraj was speaking at the signing of an agreement between the Ministry of External Affairs and Telecommunications Consultants India (TCIL) for e-VBAB Network Project. The project, which is in its second phase, focuses on pan-Africa tele-education (e-Vidyabharati) and telemedicine (e-Arogyabharati) facilities.
"In the last four years there have been 26 visits to African countries at the level of President, Vice President, and Prime Minister, apart from several ministerial visits," Sushma Swaraj said. "It has been decided to significantly enhance our diplomatic presence in Africa with the opening of 18 new resident missions over the coming four years," she added further.
TS Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the development partnership between India and Africa includes implementation of 180 lines of credit worth $11 billion to 40 African countries. He said trade with Africa is valued at $62 billion.
