India searching for new business avenues in Africa: Ansari

On Board Air India One: Vice President M. Hamid Ansari on Monday said India is searching for new business avenues in Africa, which will be mutually beneficial to both.

Talking to reporters on board to Rabat, Vice President Ansari, who left for a five-day state visit to African nations of Morocco and Tunisia, said over the years India and Africa have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations and have witnessed significant growth in relations.

Answering media queries in context of rivalry between India and China to expand their trade and commerce in Africa, the Vice President said there is no competition with China, as India has its own capacity to deal with other countries.

“Over the years India and Africa have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations. Our focus has always been on Africa, but now content of relationship are evolving. Our business interests also increasing with these countries,” he said, while referring recently concluded ‘India-Africa Forum Summit 2015’ in Delhi, where businessmen from both countries had shown their interest.

Citing an example of India’s growing IT and communication sector, Ansari said African countries getting benefits with such developments and they are welcoming India’s efforts, he added.

Speaking on growing power of terror group, he said following the collapse of law and order in country like Libya, forces like IS come forward. “As soon as the law prevails, it will be finished,” he said.

However, while India’s joining hands with these countries to combat terrorism, he said, “There is no place of extremism in India.” (ANI)