This century belongs to India and African nations : PM Modi

Addressing the leaders of 54 African nations at the Indo-African summit in the national capital, Modi also said India and Africa,the "two bright spots of hope and opportunity in the global economy" must speak in one voice for reforms of the United Nations, including its Security Council.

" Two-third of India & Africa is under the age of 35. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape & build," he said.

"There is something precious that unites us - our youth," he added.

"Today the heartbeat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm...Partnership beyond strategic concerns and economic benefits, it is formed on emotional bonds," Modi said.

Pointing out that  India and Africa have cultural affinity and that both have a colonial past, the Prime Minister said both had to struggled for opportunity and also for justice.

"We have formed a partnership of prosperity among ourselves. We have stood together under blue helmets to keep peace...And have fought together against hunger and disease."

Modi said India is now a  major source of business investments in Africa with 34 nations of the continent enjoying duty-free  access to Indian markets and nearly y 25,000 young Africans have been trained and educated in India.

"We will raise the level of our support for your vision of a prosperous integrated and united Africa...We will help connect Africa from Cairo to Capetown, From Marrakesh to Mombasa...Help develop infrastructure, power, irrigation, set up IT parks," he said.

The PM also said India and African nations Will expand and extend pan-Africa e-network, conceived by Former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, which links African countries to India.

He invited Africa to join alliance of solar-rich countries that he had proposed to launch in Paris. "Our goal is to make solar energy an integral part of our lives and reaching to most unconnected villages," Modi said.

"We wish to deepen our cooperation in maritime security and hydrography, and countering terrorism and," the PM said.