Modi Discusses Trade and Investment with African Counterparts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda on September 13 included high‑level bilateral talks with three African leaders after the 18th BRICS summit. The meetings with AU Chairperson Everist Ndayishimiye, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nigerian Vice‑President Kashim Shettima focused on expanding trade corridors, attracting investment, and enhancing cooperation in health, agriculture, defence, energy and digital sectors.

Modi and Ndayishimiye highlighted India’s role in bringing the African Union into the G20 fold and agreed to schedule the fourth India‑Africa Forum Summit soon. They also lauded the AU’s handling of the Ebola crisis and India’s medical assistance through its CDC.

With President Ramaphosa, the prime minister assessed progress in the strategic partnership, noting increased bilateral trade, joint cultural programmes and shared positions on multilateral issues. Modi invited South Africa to explore participation in the International Big Cat Alliance, citing the successful relocation of cheetahs to Indian wildlife sanctuaries.

In the session with Vice‑President Shettima, both sides reviewed the India‑Nigeria strategic partnership, emphasizing growth in commerce, defence cooperation, renewable energy projects, agricultural development, health services and digital innovation. They reiterated a commitment to a more inclusive, multipolar global architecture and to deeper collaboration within the Global South.