India, Africa Powerful Force For Global Progress: Jaishankar

 

 

New Delhi : Africa is India's partner and its "priority", and whether one speaks of a multipolar world order or of a reformed multilateralism, it will happen only when the continent is "given its due place", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday. In his address at an event marking Africa Day 2026, Jaishankar said India continues to maintain close contact with the African Union and looks forward to reconvening the deferred India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-4). "Earlier this year, we were ready to host the African leadership at the fourth India Africa Forum Summit. Unfortunately, the outbreak of the Ebola virus led to the postponement of the Summit.

 

The decision to postpone it was jointly taken by our partners of the African Union and India," he said. "We continue to be in close contact with the African Union and look forward to an early opportunity that is mutually convenient to reconvene IAFS-4," the EAM said. Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

"Today is an occasion to express very strong sentiments and deep bonding with Africa," Jaishankar said. In his address, the EAM said that the hearts of Indians and Africans "beat in rhythm."