VP Dhankhar Emphasizes Global South Cooperation at CII India-Africa Business Conclave

Addressing the theme "Creating ONE Future," Dhankhar highlighted the role of India as a vibrant democracy and a major global player, emphasizing its potential to contribute to global stability and peace.

At the inaugural session of the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave, Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, underscored the importance of India’s inclusive, multilateral approach to advancing progress for the Global South. Addressing the theme "Creating ONE Future," Dhankhar highlighted the role of India as a vibrant democracy and a major global player, emphasizing its potential to contribute to global stability and peace.

Dhankhar stressed the urgency of creating a unified future for the well-being of all, with public participation as a cornerstone. He described the challenge of climate change as “a ticking bomb” and “the greatest threat to humanity,” urging collective action and optimal use of natural resources. “We have no other planet to inhabit,” he warned.

The Vice-President reflected on the deep historical and mutual ties between India and Africa, forged through shared experiences and aspirations. He emphasized the potential of the partnership to boost South-South Cooperation, particularly in areas like clean technology, climate-resilient agriculture, maritime security, and the blue economy.

Dhankhar celebrated the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s 2023 Presidency, describing it as a significant geopolitical development. He also expressed appreciation for African countries' participation in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. He affirmed India’s support for the African Union’s ‘Ezulwini Consensus’ and the ‘Sirte Declaration’ to amplify Africa’s voice in the UN.

Highlighting the symbolic gesture of African nations helping India restore its biodiversity by providing Cheetahs, Dhankhar noted the emotional connection it fostered between India and Africa. He extended an invitation to African countries to join the International Big Cat Alliance.

Reiterating India’s historical stance of non-expansion and participatory partnership, Dhankhar highlighted the country’s advancements in digitization and technology as avenues for cooperation. “Bharat, with massive digitization and technological advancements, offers numerous avenues for cooperation and presents opportunities for mutual benefit and shared success,” he said.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Vice-Presidents from Burundi, The Gambia, Liberia, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe, as well as prominent figures from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) such as Shri Sanjiv Puri, Shri Noel Tata, and Shri Chandrajit Banerjee.