On June 14, at an event in New Delhi, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar affirmed that Africa holds an important position in the foreign policy of this South Asian country.
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| Indian Foreign Minister speaks at the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conference on India-Africa Growth Partnership in New Delhi, June 14. (Source: India News Network) |
Speaking at the 18th CII-EXIM Bank Conference on India-Africa Growth Partnership in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stressed that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which will come into effect from 2021, will help Indian companies increase their business footprint in Africa.
In fact, with cumulative investments of $73.9 billion from 1996-2021, India is among the top five largest investors in Africa.
In addition, Mr. Jaishankar affirmed that through the Preferential Tariff Scheme (DFTP) which extends duty-free access to 98.2% of India's total tariff lines, New Delhi has opened its market to African countries and so far, 33 least developed countries of the continent have benefited.
Referring to New Delhi's role as Chair of the Group of 20 (G20), India's top diplomat said three African countries including Egypt, Mauritius and Nigeria are participating in the discussions, but South Africa is not present.
Referring to the Voices of the South Summit held in January, Mr. Jaishankar stressed that through this event, New Delhi presented Africa's core interests at the G20 meetings.
Besides, the defence cooperation between India and African countries is witnessing positive signs. Moreover, in October 2022, the second India-Africa Defence Dialogue held in Gandhinagar was attended by many Defence Ministers from Africa.
In the health sector, from January 2021 to March 2023, the South Asian country provided “Made in India” Covid-19 vaccines to 42 African countries.
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