By Bernama
New Delhi : Keen to reinforce its “distinct” and “time-tested” relationship with Africa, India is expected to announce a new financial package for the countries of the continent at the Summit beginning here Tuesday, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
The two-day India-Africa Forum Summit, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, will come out with a document outlining framework of cooperation and a Delhi Declaration that will include an action plan for deepening India’s strategic and economic ties with the continent.
India is likely to announce duty cuts for certain imports from Africa and assistance in developmental projects while striving to enhance business ties and tap the immense mineral resources in that continent.
“Africa has always enjoyed an important position in our foreign policy engagement,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said addressing the Foreign Ministerial meeting on the eve of the Summit.
“India’s ties with Africa are time-tested, distinct and different. It cannot be compared with those of any other country,” Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma said today when asked whether New Delhi was engaging Africa to thwart the growing Chinese presence in the African continent.
India’s unique approach towards Africa aims at empowering the African people through capacity building and skills development, he told reporters after Foreign Ministerial meeting.
“We are helping Africa develop its own infrastructure and adding value to its resources. India believes in jointly developing resources to the mutual benefit of both sides,” he said.