BRICS 2018: PM Modi stresses on India-Africa ties, calls for investment in digital infrastructure
PMModi in Johannesburg
The PM added that 118 lines of credit worth US $11 billion has been extended to over 40 African countries.
Addressing a BRICS Outreach Session with leaders of the South African countries in Johannesburg on Friday, PM Modi said that his governmenthas accorded the highest priority towards maintaining peace, freedom and development in Africa.
He said, "The coming together of so many African leaders during this programme is a wonderful thing. India's ties with Africa are time-tested. The Government of India has deepened engagement with Africa. Economic and development cooperation between India and Africa have touched new heights".
The prime minister said in the last four years, more than 100 bilateral talks and visits at the level of head of states and government have taken place which has taken bilateral cooperation and economic ties to a new level.
The PM added that 118 lines of credit worth US $11 billion has been extended to over 40 African countries.
He said that India welcomes the effort for regional economic integration by the African countries.
The PM said free trade and commerce in the last three decades has helpedmillions of people come out of poverty.
"The most profound effect of the decrease in growth rate has been felt by countries such as ours who could not gain from the industrial progress made during the colonial time," the prime minister stated.
He also highlighted the fact that India was preferred by African students as a favourable place for study.
He said, "Several African students come to India to study and also receive scholarships".
Referring to the ten principles for boosting ties with Africa PM Modi added, "I had outlined ten principles for India's ties with Africa during my recent address at the Parliament of Uganda. I welcome various efforts for closer economic integration among the African nations".
Calling for more investment in the digital infrastructure and skill development in the area of digitisation, PM Modi said that the digital revolution has brought new opportunities to the BRICS and other emerging economies and it is crucial that the countries are ready for the change brought by the artificial intelligence and big data analytics.
"Today we are once again at the historic turning point. Thanks to the digital revolution, new opportunities are emerging for us and that is the reason why it is necessary that we be completely ready for the changes that will come out through AI and big data analytics," he said.
(With inputs from Agencies)