Thank you Mr. President,

We are meeting at a time when all of us have embarked on the journey towards achievement of the Agenda 2030, adopted two years ago. Our African partners have also, in addition, commenced the first phase of implementation of the more long term Agenda 2063 by the continent, also in 2015.  Agenda 2063 is mutually reinforcing with the Agenda 2030 and builds on the core priorities of NEPAD that came into being 16 years ago.

International cooperation remains a critical element in Africa's efforts to achieve greater peace and prosperity envisaged in these two Agendas. NEPAD is an important part of these collaborative efforts. 

Mr. President,

Africa has made rapid strides in recent years, despite the weak global economic cues. 

Compared to even a decade ago, the continent is more peaceful; its governance institutions are stronger; its overall economic output has grown; poverty rates have fallen; infrastructure and connectivity are improving; and economies are more diversified. In several countries, the services sectors including banking, telecom and retail have been growing, although low commodity prices have adversely impacted many economies. 

Life expectancy has increased. Rates of infant and maternal mortality have fallen. Primary school enrolment, especially for girls has increased. Malnutrition has been reduced and access to safe drinking water has increased. HIV infection and prevalence rates have been reversed. As noted by the Secretary General, in his remarks, earlier this week, there are more women elected to parliaments. 

Mr. President, 

Africa is today a 'young' continent with a demographic dividend that can be of great advantage if the youth are provided education and the skills needed for economic opportunities. 

International cooperation can help overcome constraints posed by poor connectivity and infrastructure, low agriculture productivity, lack of diversification in certain economies, limited regional integration. 

The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development remains a crucial factor in mobilising resources for economic growth and sustainable development. International efforts to combat illicit financial flows and money laundering need to be increased. 

We commend the organization of the ongoing Africa week. This helps focus attention on the opportunities and challenges faced by Africa. This would also help to engage the UN System entities towards effective partnership for implementation of Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063.

Mr. President,

Longstanding trade and Diaspora links across the Indian Ocean, a shared colonial past and our common development challenges have framed India's relationship with Africa. 

India has worked together with African partners to eliminate the evils of colonialism and apartheid. We have worked together for a fairer global governance system including a more equitable global economic order. Going forward, shared prosperity is the theme of India's partnership with Africa.

Today Africa and India represent young and dynamic societies and economies that are intensifying their collaboration to achieve greater prosperity for their peoples in an increasingly globalised world.

The core strengths of our development partnership have been capacity building, mobilizing financial support and sharing of technical expertise. It complements our rapidly growing trade and investment links.

The Africa-India trade multiplied 20 times in the last 15 years and doubled in the last five years to reach nearly US$ 72 billion last year making India the 4th largest trading partner for Africa. Indian investment in Africa has also surged, with major investments having taken place in the telecommunications, IT, energy, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and automobile sectors.

Mr. President, 

Indian leaders continue to attach a very high priority to our partnership with Africa. Earlier this month, Africa was the destination for the first overseas visit by the new President of India H. E. Ram Nath Kovind. During the last three years, the top leadership of India, including the President, Vice President and Prime Minister have visited 18 African countries. Indian ministers have visited all 54 partner countries during this period. 

In a significant development, the African Development Bank held its Board meeting in India this year. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of India's latest initiative in Africa, the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, in partnership with Japan. 

We have also had 11 incoming visits by the African Heads of States, Heads of Governments and this is in addition to the landmark Third India Africa Forum Summit held two years ago in Delhi wherein 41 African Heads of State or Government had participated. During the Summit, the Government of India announced significant offers of development partnership including US$ 10 billion of concessional credit, besides grant assistance of US$ 600 million and 50,000 scholarships over the next five years.  

India has also engaged in the G20 and BRICS formats on issues regarding the development priorities of Africa.

Besides the wide-ranging development and humanitarian assistance efforts, India also partners Africa in promoting peace and security through its longstanding contribution to peacekeeping and peace-building efforts. Recent initiatives have also included trilateral cooperation, along with the US, to provide UN peacekeeping training for African partners.

Mr. President, 

I would like to conclude by reiterating what Prime Minister Modi said during the Africa Development Bank Board meeting in India this year that India's partnership with Africa is based on a model of cooperation, which is responsive to the needs of African countries. It is demand-driven and free of conditions. 

The longstanding India-Africa partnership is based on solidarity and mutual respect and is neither prescriptive nor exploitative. It represents south-south cooperation in all its dimensions, one that continues to contribute to the implementation of 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. 

Thank you.