New Delhi today categorically said that India and African countries can no longer be excluded from their rightful place of the permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council. Addressing the Foreign Minister's meeting in New Delhi today ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, any governance structure which excludes the entire African continent and India representing one sixth of humanity can not be legitimate.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of several African countries today held extensive bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi ahead of India Africa Forum Summit, IAFS. They requested for New Delhi's assistance for developmental activities as well as strengthening counter terrorism mechanism. <br/>Briefing media this evening, Joint Secretary (West-Asia) in the External Affairs Ministry Sanjiv Kohli said, in her meeting with Mrs Swaraj, Foreign Minister of South Africa Maite Nkoana-Mashabane recalled the historic relations between India and South Africa. On her part, Ms Swaraj said India is actively pursuing the matters related to women empowerment in South Africa. Mrs Swaraj asked her to join Make in India initiative. <br/>MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, South Sudan Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin sought India's assistance to build a hospital in Juba. Mr Benjamin also apprised Mrs Swaraj of political situation in the country due to clashes between the two communities. He conveyed to the Indian Minister that a peace agreement have been arrived at and hoped that it will work. Mr Benjamin also urged for technical assistance in the field of agriculture. <br/>Cameroon Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Mbella Mbella said that the militancy ravaged country needs India's help in capacity building.<br/>Cape Verde Foreign Minister Jorge Araujo requested the External Affairs Minister for reconstruction of an island in his country which was hit by a volcano. <br/>Zimbabwe Foreign Minister S S Mumbengegwi sought support for developmental programmes. <br/>Tunisian Foreign Minister Taieb Baccouche extended his country's help in safe release of three Indians held hostage in Libia. <br/><br/>Expanding trade ties is a major focus area at the India Africa Forum Summit, which is expected to see participation of over 400 business delegates from Africa besides all major Indian chambers of commerce. <br/><br/>India's current trade with Africa has gone up twenty times during the last 15 years. It stands at around 75 billion Dollars. India's investment in African countries is in the range of 30 to 35 billion dollars. <br/><br/>Tomorrow, a day ahead of the Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral meetings with Heads of States and Governments of twenty African countries. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will inaugurate Business Forum which will be attended by the Business Associations of India and Africa. Several African businessmen are expected to participate in the day long deliberations. The India Foreign Minister will also hold bilateral meeting with about some of her African counterparts.