New Delhi [India], April 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday highlighted the centrality of defence, security and maritime cooperation in India-Africa ties, saying the vision ‘MAHASAGAR’ is guiding efforts, while unveiling the theme, logo and website for the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV).
“Defence, security and maritime cooperation play an important role in our engagement. Driven by the Vision MAHASAGAR, we are working closely with many of you to ensure the security and stability of the Indian Ocean region, combat piracy, promote safe and open sea lanes, and collaborate in UN peacekeeping operations,” Jaishankar said.
He identified new collaborative areas, adding, “Going forward, we are pushing new frontiers in digital, fintech, and innovation, reshaping economies across the African continent. We look forward to a stronger focus on co-creation, mutual investments and joint innovation, aligned with our respective long-term development frameworks.”
Emphasising the summit’s significance, he said it offers a chance to deepen engagement: “The Summit will provide a platform to shape the next phase of our partnership – one that is more ambitious, one that is more inclusive, and one that is more future-oriented. It will enable us to exchange best practises, to share successful experiences and to discuss common challenges.”
Announcing the summit theme, Jaishankar said, “The theme for IAFS-IV is ‘IA SPIRIT – India Africa Strategic Partnership for Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation’. ‘SPIRIT’ captures the essence of a relationship that goes beyond transactions, and is marked by shared values, mutual respect, solidarity and collaboration.”
He noted the summit branding: the lion, native to both India and Africa, symbolises pride, courage and a shared identity, and the design brings together maps of the two regions, once part of a single landmass.
“Our partnership seeks not just economic growth, but meaningful transformation. It is about empowering people, strengthening institutions, and creating opportunities. As the world navigates through complex geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, our partnership assumes particular significance. It will be a message of stability in a turbulent world, of reliability in an uncertain one and of solidarity in difficult times,” Jaishankar added.
He concluded, “Together, India and Africa are not just partners in development, we are partners in shaping a better world.” (ANI)
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