PM Modi looks forward to 'India-Africa Forum Summit'

Extremely proud of the first 'India-Africa Forum Summit' being held in the national capital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the two nations together form one-third of the world's population.

"From October 26-29, 'India-Africa Forum Summit' is being organised. It is being organized at such a large scale for the first time in India," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the nation in the 13th edition of his 'Mann ki Baat' programme.

"Leaders of 54 African countries and the Unions have been invited. All of us must be proud. If India and Africa come together then we make one-third of the population," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also took the opportunity to glorify India's partnership in educating the African students.

"Around 27 lakh Indians are living in Africa. More than 25,000 African students are studying in India and many of the present African ministers were at one time students in India," he said.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier in an interview with African journalists said the India-Africa Forum Summit, which will see the participation of all African nations for the first time, will launch a new era of mutual partnership.

The summit will address the key challenges facing Africa, which includes food, health and environmental security.

The two sides are expected to reinforce their partnership on the global platform and deepen "security cooperation" including on maritime security and countering terrorism.