Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who met African leaders in Durban last night, reiterated India's resolve to assist Africa and said the BRICS forum offered another avenue for cooperation.
In his statement at the BRICS Leaders-Africa Dialogue Forum, the Prime Minister said initiatives like the BRICS Bank could further leverage the collective capacity of these countries to assist transformation of Africa. He added, India remains committed to this objective.
Dr. Singh expressed India's readiness to work with African countries on e-governance to help bridge the digital divide in Africa and called for increasing people to people contacts.
The Prime Minister said, India could also share its experiences of participative political institutions, local governance, media and civil society with Africa. He said, his government is reviewing the terms and conditions of lines of credit so that they meet the budgetary requirements of African countries and their own development priorities.
Earlier, in a joint declaration, the BRICS leaders expressed grave concern at the Syria situation and opposed threats of military action and unilateral sanctions against Iran.
On Afghanistan, the leaders underscored the need for more effective regional and international cooperation for the stabilization of Afghanistan. This includes combating terrorism.
The Prime Minister is on way back home from Durban after attending BRICS Summit.
The Summit decided to set up BRICS Development Bank aiming at 4.5 trillion dollars capital formation in five years to finance development projects. Several agreements were signed to enhance intra-BRICS trade. Our correspondent covering the event has filed this report:
During his stay in Durban, the Prime Minister held detailed discussions with the leaders of China, Russia, South Africa and Brazil. Official sources said, the leaders focussed on the steps to address the impact of economic melt down and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
During his first high level contact with the Chinese leadership, the Prime Minister raised the issue of construction of three dams across Brahmaputra river on its site. Dr.Singh held meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping and discussed all aspects of relationship.
The Prime Minister invited the Chinese President to India. Mr Xi accepted the invitation and reciprocated it in a similar vein. Dr.Singh was assisted by National Security Advisor in the talks with the Chinese leader.
