PM holds bilateral talks with 19 heads of govts from Africa

Eyeing to consolidate India’s presence in resource-rich Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held wide-ranging talks with 19 heads of governments from the continent with a major focus on combating scourge of terrorism and steadfastly working towards reform of the UN Security Council.

In his bilateral talks with the African leaders, Modi asserted that fight against “international terrorism” can only succeed if there was “global concerted action” while on UN reform conveyed to them that it was time to “get together and take a firm stand” on the pressing issue.

Reflecting the importance New Delhi attaches to Indo- Africa ties, he told Chairperson of Africa Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma that “India Africa are made for each other” while pitching for further expansion of ties.

Ways to enhance defence and maritime cooperation, boosting trade and economic engagement, particularly in oil and gas sectors and expanding India’s developmental projects in the continent also figured prominently in the talks.

The African leaders, here to attend the India Africa Forum Summit tomorrow, sought India’s assistance in variety of areas including health, education, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism and fisheries among others.

Representatives of 54 African nations including heads of state and government of around 40 countries and powerful African Union are expected to participate in the Summit, seen as India’s effort to counter-balance growing Chinese influence in the continent.

Identifying terrorism as a major threat facing the globe, Modi said there was a need to remove the “legal lacunae” in fight against the menace stressing that the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism must be ratified by the UN.

Noting that any sidetracking in defining terrorism will weaken the fight, he said an “overreaching umbrella convention” was required to deal with the menace.

The leaders with whom Modi held bilateral talks include President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe, President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, King of Swaziland King Mswati III, President of Benin Boni Yayi, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Prime Minister of Lesotho Bethuel Pakalitha Mosisili.

He also held bilateral talks with President Guinea Alpha Conde, President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou, President of Chad Idriss Deby Itno, South African President Jacob G Zuma and Prime Minister of Mozambique Carlos Agostinho do Rosario among others.