India-Africa partnership conference kicks off in New Delhi

The India-Africa partnership conference kicked off here Monday with the participation of a galaxy of vice presidents and ministers of both sides. 

Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Ghana's Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, South Sudan's Vice President James Wani Igga as well as a host of African and Indian foreign, finance, industry and trade ministers are present at the gathering.

Inaugurating the two-day conference, Indian Minister of State V. K. Singh said that that the increase of investment and trade rates reflects the depth of Indian-Afro relations.

Singh, meanwhile, underlined the importance of human resources development in Africa as a driving force behind boosting bilateral ties.

Citing the increase of trade exchange between India and Africa from 30 billion dollars in 2008 to more than 70 billion dollars in 2015, the Indian minister called for bolstering bilateral cooperation.