India–Africa Defence Dialogue to be held alongside every DefExpo

The foundation of India–Africa defence relations are based on the two guiding principles namely Security and Growth for All in the Region(SAGAR) and 'VasudhaivaKutumbakam', (The World is One Family). The first-ever India Africa Defence Ministers Conclave (IADMC) was held in Lucknow in conjunction with DefExpo on February 6, 2020, co-organised by MoD & MEA. This was the first in the series of Pan Africa events at the Ministerial level in the run-up to India Africa Forum Summit IV. A Joint Declaration, ‘Lucknow Declaration’ was adopted after conclusion of IADMC 2020 as an outcome document of the Conclave.

In furtherance of the declaration and in consultation with stakeholders, India proposes to institutionalise the India Africa Defence Dialogue during successive DefExpo show to be held once every two years. It has been decided that Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses shall be the knowledge partner of India Africa Defence Dialogue and will assist in providing necessary support for enhanced defence cooperation between India and Africa.

It has also been decided that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host the Defence Ministers of African Nations in the next India – Africa Defence Dialogue on the side lines of the DefExpo that is scheduled to be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat in March 2022. The broad theme of this India Africa Defence Dialogue will be ‘India – Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.