Faridabad: From the sacred and culturally rich land of Surajkund, a new chapter of India-Africa partnership began as Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, on Friday, held deliberations with Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 21 African nations on economic cooperation.

At the Haryana-Africa Strategic Partnership Meeting in Surajkund, deliberations focused on the possibilities of cooperation between Haryana and African countries across industry, trade, investment and technological collaboration, the state government said.

Culture as Connector

Speaking on the occasion, CM Saini said the culturally rich land of Surajkund, through the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela, had evolved into a global platform for folk traditions, handicrafts, creativity and human skill, strengthening cultural connections alongside economic cooperation.

The Chief Minister underlined that India-Africa relations are anchored in the principles of equality, mutual respect and shared development. “Haryana is committed at the state level to building long-term and strong relationships with African countries,” he said.

In line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Saini said Haryana remains committed to building long-term and strong relationships with African countries. He noted that Haryana is the first state in the country to establish a dedicated Department of Foreign Cooperation to promote international collaboration.

The Chief Minister added that Haryana is emerging rapidly as a growth engine in agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, food processing, automobile components and startups.

Due to its proximity to the National Capital Region, he said, Haryana 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, CM Saini said the state’s expertise in irrigation management, improved seeds, crop diversification, agricultural mechanisation, dairy and post-harvest management can help strengthen food security in African countries.

He also pointed to opportunities for 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, he added, would promote trade, investment and agricultural cooperation.

Trade and Sustainability

The Chief Minister said there is significant scope for collaboration in automobiles, healthcare, IT, construction, skill development, startups and MSME sectors.

Describing renewable energy, water conservation and green development as shared moral responsibilities, CM Saini said joint efforts in solar energy, water management and environmental sustainability are essential to secure the future of coming generations. Haryana’s Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said the meeting was an important opportunity to further strengthen trade relations between India and Africa.

In recent years, bilateral trade between India and Africa has reached nearly $90-100 billion, reflecting a strong economic partnership. India primarily imports crude oil, gold, coal, fertilisers and minerals from Africa, while exporting petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and auto components, machinery, rice and engineering goods. The trade, he said, is also expanding into education, healthcare, IT and capacity building.