New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS): Aiming to build on existing partnerships and to explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, the second India-Africa strategic dialogue is to be held here Nov 18-19.
'Common Security Challenges for the Next Decade: Perspectives from India and Africa' is the theme of the event, being hosted by the defence ministry funded Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), India's oldest and premier think tank.
The dialogue will renew focus on common security challenges faced by India and Africa in the next decade on the following themes:
* Common Security Challenges for India and Africa: An overview
* Rise of Terrorism/Extremism
* Maritime Security Challenges
* Emerging Energy Challenge in India and Africa
* India and Africa cooperation: Common solutions to common problems
"India and Africa shared a close relationship in the past that hinged on the common struggle against colonialism, apartheid, poverty, disease, illiteracy and hunger. This relationship has gained momentum in recent years," a concept note put out by IDSA says.
Greater economic engagement has been seen as crucial for boosting ties between Africa and India. India's trade with Africa amounted to $68 billion in 2011-12 and at the third India-Africa Trade Ministers' meeting earlier this year, the trade target was set at $100 billion for 2015.
The first India-Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in 2008 marked the beginning of a robust and contemporary partnership. The second such summit in Addis Ababa in May 2011 emphasised the renewed focus of India to strengthen and enhance its partnership with countries in the African continent. It brought out two important documents, the Addis Ababa Declaration and the Africa-India Framework for Enhanced Cooperation, the concept note says.
"Both agreements offer direction to further Indo-African relations in the coming years, and provide a framework for the establishment of a long term and mutually beneficial partnership encompassing diverse fields," according to the concept note.
India and Africa have recognised the common challenges facing the world today. These include issues of climate change, food, water, energy and financial crises. Both India and Africa are committed to a balanced outcome of the climate change negotiations. Reform of the United Nations and increased participation of developing countries in the decision making process are goals that both India and Africa identify with.
With regard to international security, both India and Africa are equally concerned over the dangers associated with the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
"Additionally, India has always reiterated the threat to international security from terrorism and organised crime. Both sides also seek to strengthen cooperation in combating and eradicating the threat posed by piracy off the coast of Somalia in the Indian Ocean region. India has over the years contributed substantially to UN peacekeeping operations on the African continent. India has also engaged in training and capacity-building among African military personnel," the concept note says.