India's engagement with Africa intense, regular: PM Modi

Extending greetings on Africa Day to the people of Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said Africa is the centre of India's attention, adding New Delhi's engagement with the country is intense and regular.

"Africa is the centre of our attention. Our engagement with Africa is intense and regular. The warmth of the people of Africa and their friendship is a source of immense pride and strength for us," he tweeted.

The Prime Minister's statement comes in wake of the brutal murder of an African student in the national capital.

India today assured that justice will be done and stringent punishment will be given to those involved in the attack.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that New Delhi deeply values its relations with foreign students, particularly those from Africa, with which the country has had a historically close relationship and asserted it will be ensured that the African students continue to find a welcome home in India and such unfortunate incidents do not recur.

Asserting that all criminal acts should not be seen as racially-motivated, the statement said that thousands of African students continue to pursue their education in India without any issues.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is personally monitoring the matter, earlier said that the Indian government was committed to the safety of African nationals in India.

Earlier on May 21, the Delhi Police detained one person in connection with the murder case.