After a brief rough patch between India and the African continent, things took a positive step for bilateral international relations as the African Development Bank kickstarted its annual meet for the first time in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 52nd Meetings of the African Development Bank at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, stating that Africa was a priority for his government's foreign and economic policy. The five-day meet is being attended by 54 African regional members and 27 non-regional member countries of the organisation. Over 3,000 delegates will participate in the event themed 'Transforming Agriculture for Wealth Creation in Africa'.
“After assuming office in 2014, I have made Africa a top priority for India's foreign and economic policy,” Modi said. He recalled his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his visit to Tokyo last year. “In our joint declaration, we mentioned an Asia Africa Growth Corridor and proposed further conversations with our brothers and sisters from Africa.” He said Indian and Japanese research institutions have come up with a vision document in consultation with think tanks from Africa. “The idea is that India and Japan, with other willing partners, would explore joint initiatives in skills, health, infrastructure, manufacturing, and connectivity.”
Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in his address, said there was a possibility of disruption in global economy due to inward looking policies of some advanced countries and this has danger of frittering away gains of globalisation. He said African economies were growing at a faster pace, noting that “21st century would not be Asia's alone but would belong equally to both Asia and Africa.”
