May 25, 2011 9:29 AM

printer

India announces massive financial package for Africa to meet its development goals

Underlining its commitment to the development of Africa, India has announced a massive financial package to fund capacity building, human resources, infrastructure development and bridging the information gap in the region. Addressing the plenary session of the India Africa Summit at Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh committed 5 billion dollars line of credit and 700 million dollars to establish new institutes and training programmes. Listing the projects to come up in the next couple of years, the Prime minister said an India-Africa Virtual university, an Institute of Agriculture and Rural development besides an University for life and earth sciences will be established. The summit will culminate today with the likely adoption of Addis Ababa Declaration and the Africa-India Framework for Enhanced Cooperation which will map out the trajectory of the India-Africa engagement for the next few years. Giving details of the deliberations in the plenary session of the summit, Mr. Vivek Katju Secretary, West in the Ministry of External Affairs said that leaders expressed the view that both India and Africa must achieve their rightful place in the international institutions of governance and finance. Replying to a question, Mr Katju reiterated that India is not engaged in any kind of competition with any country and has a comprehensive relationship with Africa structured to be mutually beneficial. On the situation in Libya, New Delhi wants peace and tranquility to return in the country and desires resumption of the political process. He said India supports the efforts of the African union in dealing with the situation. The Prime Minister will have bilateral talks with Vice President of Nigeria Namadi Sambo and President of Chad Idriss Deby later on Wednesday.

Most Read
View All arrow-right

No posts found.