India set to host African states’ biggest summit

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 17

India is all geared up to host the biggest gathering of African countries outside the continent at the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit here from October 26 to 29. Of 54 countries that were sent the invite, 40 heads of state/governments have confirmed their participation.

“India is proud to host the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit from October 26-29 in New Delhi... the summit is going to be one of the biggest gatherings of African countries outside Africa, which is a reflection of the desire on part of both Africa and India to engage more intensively in our quest for a better future... as minds meet and hands work together, the IAFS-III could be a landmark event in our journey towards further cementing strong ties between India and Africa,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement today.

India and Africa, Modi said, had a historic relationship based on mutual respect, trust and solidarity. In recent times, our relationship had witnessed progress and grown into a mutually beneficial partnership, he said.

In order to connect the bonds with history, a mobile exhibition titled ‘Memories of Mahatma’ took off from Porbandar on Gandhi Jayanti and will reach the summit venue on October 29, showing the strong links with Africa and the Father of the Nation.