India and Africa in their joint declaration on Thursday agreed to extend cooperation at various levels and joined hands to combat terrorism and conflict. In the “Delhi Declaration” released at the end of 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit, India has pledged to help African countries facing violent conflicts and terrorism with capacity building and training, besides increasing footprints in peacekeeping forces. India will also train African Standby Force that is fighting terrorism and violence.
While acknowledging that terrorism and violent extremism have emerged as primary threats to nations and societies, the leaders condemned them in all their forms and manifestations.
“The menace of non-State actors, including armed groups, has acquired a new dimension as they expanded geographically, acquired resources and new instruments to spread extremist ideology and draw recruits. Tackling this challenge requires global strategy and cooperation. We emphasise that no cause or grievance can justify acts of terror and resolve to maintain zero tolerance against terrorism. We call on all countries to ensure that their territories are not used for cross-border terrorist activities. We strongly condemn direct or indirect financial assistance given to terrorist groups or individual members thereof by States or their machinery, to pursue such activities,” the declaration said.
These words strengthen India’s position on cross border terrorism mainly coming from Pakistan side. The leaders also mentioned that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States have to be respected and there has to be noninterference in internal affairs of countries.
The leaders also decided to continue pushing for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council. On climate change, the leaders said while developing countries undertake ambitious actions on their own, they need to be assisted to mitigate climate change and to adapt and adjust to its impact.
Africa appreciated Indian efforts in building African Institutions and capacities. It was agreed to promote cooperation in the Blue/Ocean economy and a monitoring mechanism will be instated to oversee proper implementation of the agreements.
In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said given the scale of IAFS and its ambitious goals, it has been agreed that the Summit should be held every
five years instead of current three years. The next India-Africa Forum Summit will be held in the year 2020.