President Droupadi Murmu will make her inaugural visit to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi from October 13-19, becoming the first Indian head of state to do so. The visit aims to strengthen India’s ties with Africa following the African Union’s recent inclusion in the G20. Key activities include meetings with local leaders, signing MoUs, and engaging with the Indian diaspora across all three nations.
President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a significant visit to three African nations—Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi—between October 13 and 19, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs. This trip marks a historic occasion as President Murmu will be the first Indian head of state to visit these nations. This visit aligns with the growing importance of Africa in global affairs, particularly following the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency, an initiative that underscores Africa’s centrality to the Global South. MEA Secretary (ER) Dammu Ravi expressed during a press briefing that building partnerships with Africa is essential for mutual growth. Upon her arrival in Algeria on October 13, President Murmu is scheduled to meet with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state to Algeria in 39 years. Her itinerary includes attending receptions for the Indian community, honoring Algerian war heroes at the Maqam Echahid monument, engaging in bilateral talks, and addressing the Algeria-India Economic Forum at the Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole University. President Murmu will also inaugurate an India Corner at Jardin d’essai and plant a sapling from India at the Hamma Botanical Garden. On October 16, she will proceed to Mauritania, signifying the first visit at such a senior level since Mauritania’s independence in 1960. Here, President Murmu will hold talks with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, culminating in the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that encompass cultural exchanges and diplomatic arrangements. Furthermore, she will address the Indian community in Mauritania. President Murmu’s final stop will be Malawi on October 17, at the invitation of the Malawian President. She is set to engage in discussions, attend a business event, and meet with the local Indian diaspora. Three additional MoUs relating to youth affairs, sports, and cultural exchanges will be executed during her visit. The visit concludes on October 19, symbolizing India’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that this state visit illustrates India’s dedication to fostering partnerships that bolster enduring friendships with African countries.
The forthcoming visit of President Droupadi Murmu is historic not only because it marks her as the first Indian head of state to visit Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi, but also due to the significant implications it holds for India’s diplomatic relations with Africa as a whole. The African Union’s recent accession to the G20 signifies increasing recognition of Africa’s pivotal role in global politics, especially within the Global South. India’s engagement with Africa is critical to promoting shared goals of development and mutual growth, central to the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit thus comes at a strategic juncture aimed at reinforcing India’s ties with key African nations, enhancing economic cooperation, and addressing various developmental agendas.
In summary, President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi marks a considerable advancement in India’s diplomatic efforts in Africa. Through this journey, India seeks to deepen its partnerships with these nations, enhancing bilateral cooperation in cultural, economic, and political arenas. The significance of this visit lies in its alignment with the broader objectives of the Global South and India’s commitment to fostering relationships that support mutual development.
Original Source: www.firstindia.co.in
