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· India and Africa have pledged to deepen cooperation to combat
the growing threat of terrorism and preserve maritime security by
sharing information, intelligence and surveillance
· The dialogue held in Lucknow, India was attended by 12
Defense Ministers and 38 countries from Africa
India and Africa have pledged to deepen cooperation to combat the
growing threat of terrorism and preserve maritime security by sharing
information, intelligence and surveillance. The coming together of the
two regions to partner in security related areas are part of a joint
declaration adopted at the first India- Africa Defence Ministers
conclave at the Defexpo, held at Lucknow, a city, which is the capital
of the biggest state in India, namely Uttar Pradesh. In the joint
agreement signed India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India
was geared to provide a range of military hardware to Africa. Several
countries from Africa participated at the Defense Expo.
The dialogue was attended by 12 Defense Ministers and 38 countries
from Africa. The joint statement said that India would continue to
intensify and deepen engagement with the African countries. The broad
counters of cooperation would include strengthening cooperation and
mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism, keeping
cyberspace safe and secure and supporting the UN in advancing and
keeping peace. India would offer offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), fast
interceptor boats, body and vehicle armour, night vision goggles,
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Dornier aircraft, and arms and
ammunition.
The joint statement condemned the growing threat of terrorism and
acknowledged that it constituted a major threat to peace and security
in the region. It urged all countries to take resolute action in
rooting out terrorism in all forms and manifestations, terrorist safe
havens and infrastructure, disrupting terrorist networks and
eliminating financing channels and cross-border movement of
terrorists.
The Declaration also seeks to increase cooperation in securing sea
lines of communication, preventing maritime crimes, disasters, piracy,
illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing through sharing of
information and surveillance.