The 3rd India - Africa Forum Summit 2015 was held in National Capital New Delhi, from 26th to 30th October 2015. The summit saw largest ever turn out of African leaders in India. It was India's biggest diplomatic outreach involving delegates from a large number of African nations. The five-day summit was attended by dignitaries including heads of government, ministers, government officials, and business leaders of 54 nations across African continent.
Prof. (Dr.) Balvir Singh Tomar, NIMS Chairman, attended the summit as a special invitee of ASSOCHAM.
Inaugurating the summit, Ms. Sushma Swaraj, the Minister of External Affairs-Govt. of India in her address highlighted the spirit of cooperation and partnership between the countries focusing on the concept of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” She said that the third India-Africa Forum Summit in Delhi was like a ‘family reunion’ and pointed to the shared history of struggle against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination and apartheid between the countries.
Prof. (Dr.) Balvir S. Tomar also expressed his opinion on the summit. He said “We want to travel far on the path of development and we want to travel together with our African friends and partners, in the true spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, Development for all).”
“India has always stood for and with Africa. Ours is a relationship forged in the crucible of the shared struggle against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination and apartheid. That era is now behind us, but the solidarity engendered by that shared struggle continues,” Ms. Swaraj said.
“The longstanding and multifaceted India-Africa development partnership is based on the principles of equality, friendship and solidarity. It represents one of the finest examples of South-South cooperation,” Ms. Swaraj said adding that she was confident that the Summit will chart a bold new course for future cooperation.
With a common history of colonialism and apartheid, the two continents build upon the partnership between them and acknowledge their common history and future prospects. IAFS provides an opportunity to reflect the past events. It is a landmark occasion which marks the relationships of the African continent and India.
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