India and the African Union are actively engaged in discussions to finalise mutually convenient dates for the next India-Africa Summit.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed this development on Friday, underscoring New Delhi’s strong and historic partnership with African nations.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, explained that the summit had been postponed after consultations with the African Union. He said both sides are now working towards identifying a suitable time to hold the event. He emphasised that the postponement was a joint decision taken in light of prevailing circumstances.

Jaiswal noted, “You know the circumstances under which the India-Africa Summit had to be postponed, and this we did in consultation with the African Union. We are looking forward to organising the India-Africa Summit, and both sides are in touch with each other for a convenient date as to when it can be organised.”

The Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit, which was scheduled to take place in India earlier this year, had to be postponed due to the Ebola outbreak in Africa. This decision reflected the shared concern for health security and the importance of ensuring safe conditions for such a high-level gathering.

In his remarks, Jaiswal also highlighted India’s ties with the African continent. He referred to the recent Africa Day celebrations held in New Delhi, which were attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He pointed out that Africa Day is celebrated annually with great enthusiasm, symbolising solidarity, support, and partnership between India and Africa.

He said, “Africa Day was a big celebration. Each year we celebrate our solidarity, support and partnership with Africa with a lot of fanfare. This time, the External Affairs Minister attended the Africa Day celebrations. He had attended earlier as well.”

Jaiswal further underlined that India shares very strong and historic ties with countries across Africa. He stressed that New Delhi continues to work closely with the continent through development partnerships. He described these efforts as part of India’s Global South solidarity and South-South cooperation, which aim to strengthen collective progress and mutual growth.

India’s development cooperation with Africa has been extensive, involving projects across infrastructure, healthcare, education, and digital connectivity. Over the years, India has extended lines of credit, capacity-building programs, and technical assistance to African nations, reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in Africa’s development journey.

The reaffirmation of India’s commitment to Africa comes at a time when both sides are seeking to deepen cooperation in areas such as maritime security, defence training, trade, investment, and multilateral engagement. The forthcoming summit is expected to provide a platform to consolidate these initiatives and chart new pathways for collaboration.

ANI