India advocates ‘greater voice’ of Africa in global institutions

In his address on Africa Day here on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “We have the fullest confidence that the nations of Africa will overcome every obstacle and realise their destiny. As they do so, it is imperative that along with the freedom, they are also given their due and rightful place in international platforms.”

“In keeping with this cause for Africa, India pushed for African Union’s full membership of the G20. The same spirit guides India’s approach towards reforms in the United Nations, especially the Security Council,” he said.

He said while nations of the world had regained that freedom, the legacy of the past remains strong in the global order.

“The inequities of the past are extrapolated into the unfairness of the present and the uncertainty of the future. The world has seen progress towards political reordering, but the economic, social and cultural dimensions are far from being addressed,” Jaishankar said.

He stressed that there was a need for credible accounting of the past for the world to move on. He also asserted that India was committed towards advancing Africa’s development framework.

The EAM said India’s relationship, connect and empathy with Africa was special. “Many of you would be aware of the deeply held view, in this country, that our Independence would be incomplete until Africa secured hers. Today, that logic extends to development, progress and prosperity.”

“When we speak of food, health and energy security, it is not just a concern about our national prospects. It is equally about the challenges that Africa faces and the solutions that emerge from international partnerships,” he said.