India is ready to support Africa's developmental priorities, MoS Muraleedharan said

The deep bonds of solidarity between India and Africa represent a defining partnership of the Global South, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Plenary Session of the Eighth Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa organised in Senegal, he described it as "a partnership that has been forged over several decades, strengthened by long-standing trade and diaspora linkages, shared struggles against colonialism, and common developmental challenges".

The subject of the plenary was ‘Global crises and Sovereignty in Africa’.

MoS Muraleedharan recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at the Ugandan Parliament in 2018 envisioned 10 principles for the India-Africa partnership. This included a development partnership that is anchored on supporting efforts of African states in their pursuit of comprehensive socio-economic development, always guided by Africa’s own priorities.

"Today, we stand ready to support Africa on its developmental priorities and remain committed to its partnership with Africa in its journey towards attainment of the SDGs and Africa’s Agenda 2063. India has been supportive of development paradigm that is Africa-led and Africa-owned," the minister stated.

During his address at the plenary, he highlighted the surging costs and shortages of foodgrains, fertilizers and fuel, adding that the global south, especially, was feeling the pain very acutely. "That is why India strongly reiterates the need for an immediate cessation of all hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy," he stressed.

MoS Muraleedharan also said that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine portends a shift in the global energy landscape, as nations will now seek to explore untapped and underdeveloped hydrocarbon resources in Africa. "It is an opportune moment for Africa to find herself a place in this area," he noted.

He also made the following points during his address:

• The interplay of the factors of climate, conflict and finance has become a recipe for a perfect storm and the poorer and developing countries have been caught in the eye of the storm.

• Terrorist outfits and armed groups have for long posed a grave threat to Africa’s stability and sovereignty.

• India has stood steadfast with Africa in addressing conflict situations through its uninterrupted contributions of Indian peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping Missions.

• As a net security provider in the region, India is committed to promote blue economy and enhance maritime security.

• As an active member of Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS), India has been committed to eradicate the dread of piracy in the east coast of Africa.

• Climate change is an inescapable reality, and its impact on food security and poverty, particularly for the developing world, is undeniable.

MoS Muraleedharan expressed the belief that Africa’s leadership has the will and maturity to use this opportunity to create better financial, security, agriculture and energy systems. He conclude with a quote from Mahatma Gandhi and said, "Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it.”