Speaking at the first edition of the India-Africa Army Chief’s Conclave on Tuesday, Indian Defence Minister (DM) Rajnath Singh vowed to enhance cooperation with African countries to ensure regional security and stability.
The conclave focussed on training and defence cooperation and regional unity.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Africa-India Joint Exercise, or “AFINDEX”, in Pune, which hosted Chief of Army Staff Manoj Pande and army representatives of 31 African countries.
Ensuring Africa’s Economic Growth
Singh said that the full economic potential of the continent can only be realised once security is ensured. To this end, he provided reassurance of India’s commitment to supporting African allies in the defence industry, along with enhancing the capabilities of its armed forces.
The inaugural Edition of India-Africa Chiefs' Conclave, on the sidelines of #AFINDEX 23, is being organised at #Pune on 28-29 March. Defence Chiefs & Representatives of 31 African Nations will attend the Conclave to enhance defence & regional cooperation.#IndiaAfricaFriendship pic.twitter.com/2fSiGWI9YH
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 27, 2023
The DM further said that protecting human rights, such as the right to life and liberty, depends on a “strong and effective state apparatus” that can protect the Rule of Law and ensure economic development. “Development can only take place in a safe and secure environment,” he added.
Supporting African Armies
Singh highlighted that India has been working with African nations to train their armed forces with skills needed to face the novel challenges in the 21st century. Citing examples, he said India had trained African forces in counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security, and specialised training in cyber warfare and drone operations.
He added that India and Africa are united by their common struggles and goals of curbing poverty, ensuring sustainable development, securing peace, and improving the quality of life. He also emphasised the need to bolster South-South cooperation to build a world order in keeping with the “aspirations of developing countries.”
AFINDEX
Singh celebrated the AFINDEX exercises as evidence of India and the African nations’ continued determination to “develop capacities and enhance mutual capabilities.”
The second edition of AFINDEX is reflective of our continued focus on African nations, to develop capacities in line with a shared vision and enhance mutual capabilities: RM
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) March 28, 2023
In particular, he stressed that this cooperation is critical because they are “maritime neighbours linked by the Indian ocean.”
Promoting Indian Defence Equipment
The DM also called on India’s African partners to “explore Indian defence equipment and technologies” to meet their requirements. He lauded New Delhi’s progress in becoming the “leading defence exporter” by utilising the “abundant technical manpower” over the past years.
Africa’s Future
Moreover, he underlined that Africa and India comprise 33% of the global population — an asset that must be “used wisely” to ensure growth and development.
Singh cited figures explaining that, given the continent’s growing population, Africa will account for one in every four people on the planet by 2050. Accordingly, he posited that African nations’ growth and prosperity is necessary for global economic development in the future.