New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS): The summit is an initiative between India and Africa Union nations to increase trade and investments, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the India Africa Forum Summit here on Thursday.

During her speech, Sushma Swaraj said: "This gathering of African states in India is like a family reunion."

Quoting a African proverb "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together", she said that India also believes in "Sab ka saath Sab ka Vikaas".

"We are looking for long lasting relationship with Africa."

The summit is an initiative between India and Africa Union nations to increase trade and investments, with India looking to near China's bilateral trade of over $200 billion with the continent.

"This (summit) is going to take relations between India and Africa to new heights," Prime Minister Narendra Modi told reporters.

The India Africa Forum Summit is said to be one of the largest gatherings of African leaders abroad, with over 1,000 delegates representing the 54 African union nations.