The third India-Africa Forum Summit, IAFS, begins in New Delhi today. Representatives of 54 African nations including Heads of State and government of around 40 countries and African Union are expected to take part in the Summit.<br/><br/>Wednesday, ahead of the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with 19 Heads of Governments. A major focus was on combating scourge of terrorism and steadfastly working towards reform of the UN Security Council. <br/><br/>In his bilateral talks with the African leaders, Mr. Modi asserted that fight against international terrorism could only succeed if there is global concerted action. He urged them to get together and take a firm stand on the pressing issue of UN reform. <br/><br/>Identifying terrorism as a major global threat, Mr. Modi said there is 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. <br/><br/>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. <br/><br/>External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the meetings were brief but structured. Act, 1939.