HIGHLIGHTS OF PM MODI’S THREE NATION AFRICA TOUR AND BRICS SUMMIT

PM Modi visited three African countries, Rwanda, Uganda and South Africa over five days from 23-27 July 2018.

        RWANDA VISIT HIGHLIGHTS

         Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit Rwanda.

1. PM visited Kigali Genocide Memorial which honours victims of worst excesses of violence and is symbolic of exemplary process of reconciliation Rwanda has embarked upon.
2. India is a trusted partner in economic progress and national development of Rwanda. India provides support in training, technology, infrastructure development and project assistance and provides training in finance, management, rural development, Information and Communication Technology (ICT). India has provided $ 200 million lines of credit for capacity building.
3. PM Modi and President Paul Kagame interacted with business community from both communities at the India Rwanda Business Forum and reaffirmed India’s commitment for Rwanda’s quest for national development.
4. Most talked about point of his visit to Rwanda was his donation of 200 cows under “Girinka”- One Cow Per Poor Family Programme, a transformative project towards economic development of rural Rwanda.

UGANDA VISIT HIGHLIGHTS

PM Modi became the first Prime Minister to visit Uganda after two decades. PM Modi and Ugandan President Museveni co-chaired delegation level talks to comprehensively review all aspects of bilateral relations. Following delegation level talks, four MoU’s were signed/exchanged in the areas of Defence Cooperation, Visa Exemption for officials and diplomatic passport holders, Cultural Exchange Programme and Material Testing Laboratory. Two Lines of credit worth $ 200 million was announced for energy infrastructure, agriculture and dairy sectors. India has reaffirmed its commitment to work with  Uganda in the fields of Capacity Building, HRD, Skill Development, Innovation and also in  adding value to the abundant natural resources available in the country.

Both  leaders asserted  strong measures against terrorists, terror organizations, their networks and all those who finance terrorism, or provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups and are committed to cooperate for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). The two leaders reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, including its expansion, to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the geo-political realities of the 21st century. 

PM Modi made following announcements during his visit:

1. Two Lines of Credits for: 1. Construction of electricity lines and Substations worth US$141  million and 2. Agriculture and Dairy production US $ 64 million.
2. Contribution to establishment of Mahatma Gandhi Convention /Heritage center at Jinja.
3. Financial support of US $929,705 for capacity building and creating supportive infrastructure for East African Community (EAC) which is currently chaired by Uganda.
4. 25 slots for training under the ITEC scheme in the field of dairy cooperation in order to strengthen cooperation in the Dairy sector.
5. Gifting of 88 vehicles, 44 each for the Ugandan Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) and for the civil use by the Ugandan Government.
6. Gifting of Bhabhatron Cancer Therapy machine to assist Uganda’s efforts towards eradicating the malaise of cancer.
7. Gifting of 100,000 NCERT books for school going children of Uganda.
8. Gifting 100 solar power irrigation pumps to Uganda for helping Uganda’s efforts in the development of agriculture.

Indian diaspora represents strongest & most durable economic and cultural link between India and Uganda. Indian diaspora numbering more than 30,000 contribute about 70% of direct taxes. In his interaction with Indian diaspora he said “India has committed more than $ 3 billion Lines of Credit for various projects and $ 10 billion commitment towards Africa as a part of India Africa Forum Summit. India provides scholarships to 50,000 students.”. PM Modi and President Museveni unveiled the bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Indian community reception.

PM Modi addressed the parliament of Uganda. Following are the highlights of his speech:

1. Deepening engagement with Africa: Development partnership includes implementation of 180 Lines of Credit (LoC) worth $ 11 billion in over 40 African countries. At the last India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), India committed a concessional LoC of $ 10 billion & $ 600 mn in grant assistance.
2. Over 8000 African youth are trained in diverse set of programmes. Indian companies have invested over $ 54 billion in Africa.
3. Trade with Africa is over $ 62 billion which 21% more than the previous year.
4. India’s engagement with Africa will continue to be guided by 10 principles.

10^th  BRICS  SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS

1. PM Modi presented Country Statement of India reaffirming commitment to reformed multilateralism, International Trade and ruled based world order.
2. Celebrating 21 years of strategic partnership, PM Modi met the host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa kicking off a series of bilateral meetings discussing expansion of relationship in trade and investment, agriculture, food processing, IT, defence and people to people contacts.
3. 3 MOU’s were signed on cooperation in exploration and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes, setting up of Gandhi Mandela Centre of Specialization for Artisan Skills and Agricultural Research and Education.
4. PM Modi has a bilateral meeting with the President of Argentina Mauricio Macri on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit and discussed enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, agriculture, food processing and pharma.
5. PM Modi and President Ramaphosa felicitated prize winners of the essay competition on the topic “Commonalities between Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela”.
6. Bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President of Angola Joao Lourenco to intensify relations in trade and investment, agriculture, food processing, Pharma, oil and natural gas.
7. Comprehensive bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Putin to discuss bilateral issues of mutual interest, specially in trade and investment, energy, defence and tourism.
8. PM Modi participated in the BRICS-Africa outreach and BRICS plus outreach themed “BRICS in Africa” with the objective to foster inclusive growth, shared prosperity and the fourth Industrial Revolution.
9. PM Modi met Turkey President Recep Erdogan and congratulated him on his re-election as the President.

 10^th BRICS SUMMIT JOHANESBURG DECLARATION HIGHLIGHTS

1. BRICS’s recommittment to a world of peace and stability, and support the central role of the United Nations, principles enshrined in the UN Charter and respect for international law, promoting democracy and the rule of law.
2. Commitment to upholding multilateralism and to working together on the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Strengthening Multilateralism, Reforming Global Governance and addressing Common Challenges.
4. Strengthening and Consolidating BRICS Cooperation in International Peace and Security. Commitment to collective efforts for peaceful settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means, and recognise the role of the UN Security Council as bearing the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
5. Partnership for Global Economic Recovery, Reform of Financial and Economic Global Governance Institutions, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
6. People to People Co-operation.