India has reiterated its unwavering commitment to Africa, with Ambassador Yojna Patel, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, calling for global action to address the continent’s challenges. Speaking at the UN General Assembly’s plenary meeting on “Partnerships for Africa,” Patel emphasized that Africa’s exclusion from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a permanent member is a “historical injustice” that must be corrected swiftly.
Patel outlined India’s initiatives to strengthen Africa’s development, citing the shared legacy of colonial exploitation faced by many countries of the Global South. She stressed that Africa’s growth has been further impeded by global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, ongoing conflicts, and energy insecurity, which have eroded systemic resilience across the continent.
India believes that de-risking African economies, which are struggling under rising external debt, is crucial. Patel called for increasing access to concessional finance and employing innovative fiscal solutions to drive economic transformation. She also emphasized the importance of financial responsibility, transparency, and viability in financing options to ensure sustainable growth.
Addressing the continent’s peace and security concerns, Patel warned that the spread of terrorism, if left unchecked, could destabilize already conflict-ridden regions. She praised African-led security initiatives as effective responses to terrorism, highlighting the need for international partners to provide sustainable financial and logistical support for these efforts.
Patel also commended regional and sub-regional organizations in Africa for their role in promoting intra-African trade and regional integration. Strengthening such cooperation, she said, is essential to overcoming shared challenges and driving economic growth.
India stressed the need for urgent reform of the UNSC, pointing out that the Council has repeatedly failed to fulfill its mandate to safeguard international peace and security. Patel reiterated that Africa’s exclusion from the Council is unjust, and its inclusion as a permanent member is critical for a more representative and effective global governance structure.
Highlighting India’s ongoing support for Africa’s development goals, Patel added that India has extended nearly $12 billion in concessional credit to African nations. She emphasized India’s role as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, which have been instrumental in restoring stability in conflict zones.
The inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023 was cited as a major milestone in India-Africa relations. Patel underscored India’s commitment to sharing its experiences in fields such as financial inclusion, capacity building, health security, and renewable energy to foster sustainable growth across the continent.
As part of the “Arogya Maitri” or “Friendship for Health” initiative, India has provided hospitals, dialysis machines, and life-saving medicines to African nations. Patel also noted that 41 African countries have joined the International Solar Alliance, reflecting their collaboration with India in renewable energy development.
“India remains committed to a development paradigm that is Africa-led and Africa-owned. We believe African priorities should guide our collaborative efforts,” Patel said, reaffirming India’s deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership with Africa.
(Inputs from ANI)