VP Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the 19th CII India Africa Business Conclave on “Creating One Future” on 21st August in New Delhi in the presence of distinguished African leaders such as H.E. Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, Vice-President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Mr. Marie Cyril Eddy Boissézon, Vice President of Mauritius, H.E. Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of Liberia, H.E. Mr. Prosper Bazombanza, Vice President of Burundi, and H.E. Mr. Muhammad B.S. Jallow, Vice-President of The Gambia.
In his keynote address, Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted the significance of this theme, noting that it is “deeply rooted in our shared civilizational values.” He emphasized that the concept resonates profoundly with the motto of India’s G20 Presidency, which embodies the principle of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
Vice President Dhankhar pointed out that the conclave offers a vital platform for India and Africa to come together, deliberate on contemporary issues, and synchronize their efforts toward crafting a future that ensures the well-being of all. He stressed that “Creating One Future” is central to the sustainability of humanity and that addressing this challenge cannot be delayed any longer.
“Public participation will be crucial in this endeavor,” the Vice President stated, expressing confidence that the discussions during the conclave will be instrumental in helping countries focus their collective efforts on confronting the most significant threat facing humanity—climate change.
He also underscored the urgency of tackling climate change, which he described as a challenge that requires “concerted efforts, mass involvement, and the optimal utilization of resources.”
He emphasized that the world can no longer afford to wait, warning, “We have no other planet to call home.”
This urgent call to action reflects a shared global responsibility to address the environmental challenges that threaten our planet. Vice President Dhankhar’s words served as a reminder that the time to act is now, and that only through collective efforts can humanity hope to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
The focus of the 19th CII India Africa Business Conclave on the India-Africa Growth Partnership promises to open new avenues for collaboration between the two regions. Vice President Dhankhar noted that both India and Africa stand to gain from building “robust financial partnerships, transforming infrastructure, and cooperating in the space sector.” These efforts, he added, will bolster value chains in agriculture, mining, and food processing, among other sectors.
In his speech, the Vice President also highlighted India’s rapid progress over the past decade, driven by “massive digitization and technological advancements.” This progress, he said, offers numerous opportunities for cooperation with Africa, paving the way for mutual benefit and shared success.
Vice President Dhankhar reflected on the deep-rooted ties between India and Africa, ties forged through “shared histories, common struggles, and mutual aspirations for a just and equitable world order.” He described this partnership as “natural and enduring,” one that continues to strengthen over time.
India’s commitment to Africa is evident in its investments and development initiatives across the continent. The Vice President highlighted that India has invested over $12.37 billion in 206 infrastructure projects across 43 African countries, positively impacting countless lives. In addition to these investments, India has been a steadfast partner in capacity building, offering training and educational opportunities that align with the priorities of the African Union.
“As the African Union emphasizes education and fitness for the 21st century,” the Vice President said, “India remains committed to supporting these goals.” He further noted that India is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with $85 billion in bilateral trade and $75 billion in investments.
He highlighted the immense opportunities for deeper economic integration and mutual development through the Foreign Trade Cooperation Agreement (FCTA) and India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme. These initiatives, he said, offer a path toward greater economic cooperation between India and Africa, benefiting both regions in the years to come.
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