Haryana–Africa Strategic Partnership Meeting: A New Chapter of India–Africa Cooperation Begins from Surajkund
Haryana Is the First State in the Country to Establish a Separate Department of Foreign Cooperation to Promote International Collaboration: CM
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh –
With the objective of giving a new direction to industrialization and economic cooperation in Haryana, the Haryana–Africa Strategic Partnership Meeting was organized on Friday at Surajkund in Faridabad. During the meeting, extensive deliberations were held on the vast possibilities of cooperation between Haryana and African countries in the fields of industry, trade, investment and technological collaboration. Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 21 African nations, along with representatives from industry and policymakers, participated in the meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini welcomed the international representatives and said that from the sacred and culturally rich land of Surajkund, a new chapter of India–Africa partnership has begun. The Surajkund International Crafts Mela serves as a global platform for folk traditions, handicrafts, creativity and human skill, strengthening cultural connections and economic cooperation.
The Chief Minister stated that India–Africa relations are founded on the principles of equality, mutual respect and shared development. In line with the vision of PM Narendra Modi, Haryana is committed at the state level to building long-term and strong relationships with African countries. Haryana is the first state in the country to establish a separate Department of Foreign Cooperation to promote international collaboration.
He said Haryana is emerging rapidly as a growth engine in agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, food processing, automobile components and startups. Due to its connectivity with the NCR, the state enjoys global connectivity and logistical strength, offering vast possibilities for multi-sectoral cooperation with African nations. Highlighting agriculture as a key area of India–Africa collaboration, he said Haryana’s expertise in irrigation management, improved seeds, crop diversification, agricultural mechanization, dairy and post-harvest management can help strengthen food security in African countries.
He also mentioned the possibilities of joint farming, training programmes and technical partnerships with Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda. Agreements signed with the Tanzania Investment Centre and other agricultural and institutional bodies will promote trade, investment and agricultural cooperation. He added that there is significant scope for collaboration in automobiles, healthcare, IT, construction, skill development, startups, fintech and MSME sectors. Region-specific industrial and agriculture-based partnerships can be developed with countries across Southern, Western, Eastern and Northern Africa.
Describing renewable energy, water conservation and green development as shared moral responsibilities, the Chief Minister said joint efforts in solar energy, water management and environmental sustainability are essential for securing the future of coming generations. He emphasized that the Surajkund International Crafts Mela is not merely a platform for trade, but a symbol of the creative economy and cultural identity.
Golden Opportunity to Give New Direction to India–Africa Trade Relations: Rao Narbir
Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said that this is an important opportunity to further strengthen trade relations between India and Africa. In recent years, bilateral trade between India and Africa has reached approximately USD 90–100 billion, reflecting strong economic partnership between the two regions. He informed that India primarily imports crude oil, gold, coal, fertilizers and minerals from Africa, while exporting petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and auto components, machinery, rice and engineering goods. He added that this trade is not limited to goods but is also expanding into sectors such as education, healthcare, IT and capacity building.