India not in race or competition with China: Manmohan

India declared its intention to partner Africa in its ‘resurgence’, with PM Manmohan Singh asserting that New Delhi was not in ‘race or competition’ with China or any other country in reaching out to the continent.

India declared its intention to partner Africa in its ‘resurgence’, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asserting that New Delhi was not in ‘race or competition’ with China or any other country in reaching out to the continent.

At the first India-Africa Forum Summit here, the two sides agreed to further develop their relationship under a ‘new framework’ of cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, economy, agriculture and human development.

The Summit issued a Delhi Declaration and ‘Framework for Cooperation’ document outlining ways in which the two sides will

implement joint programmes to build a ‘meaningful and productive’ partnership.

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Leaders from 14 African countries, who attended the Summit, appreciated India’s initiatives like duty free preferential access and emphasised the need for quick follow up action to implement these.

“India stands committed to work with Africa to strengthen our cooperation in every possible way. We wish to be partners in Africa’s resurgence,” Singh said addressing a joint press conference with African leaders at the end of the two-day meet.

To a question, he emphasised that India was ‘not in race or competition with China or any other country’.

He said India’s desire to work with Africa was ‘not a new experience’ but the ties between the two sides date back to colonial era.