PM Modi invites Egyptian president for India-Africa Forum Summit
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Hindustani78
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The Prime Minister of Uganda, Mr. Ruhakana Rugunda and his spouse, Mrs. Jocelyn Rugunda calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017. Smt. Salma Ansari is also seen.
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Mr. Ruhakana Rugunda calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Mr. Ruhakana Rugunda calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
The Minister of Trade and Private Sector Promotion, Niger Mr. Seydou Sadou meeting the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
The Minister of Economy and Employment, Cabo Verde, Mr. Jose De Silva Goncalves, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Mr. Ruhakana Rugunda calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Mr. Ruhakana Rugunda calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
The Minister of Trade and Private Sector Promotion, Niger Mr. Seydou Sadou meeting the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
The Minister of Economy and Employment, Cabo Verde, Mr. Jose De Silva Goncalves, in New Delhi on March 10, 2017.
saurav jha
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2 year old thread
Hindustani78
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Relations are made by having trust for decades, things are quite heating up in United nations for the permanent seat at security council.
Hindustani78
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20-March, 2017 15:02 IST
President of India’s message on the eve of National Day of Namibia
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Namibia on the eve of their National Day (March 21, 2017).
In a message to His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with immense pleasure that I extend greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of the Republic of Namibia on the occasion of your National Day.
We sincerely cherish our friendly relations with your great country, which I was very happy to visit last year. Our discussions and agreements during that visit not only strengthened co-operation in diverse areas but have also opened new vistas of engagement. I look forward to further deepen our co-operative ties for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. India stands with you, as always, in your nation building endeavours.
Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and long life and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Namibia”.
*****
20-March, 2017 15:02 IST
President of India’s message on the eve of National Day of Namibia
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Republic of Namibia on the eve of their National Day (March 21, 2017).
In a message to His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with immense pleasure that I extend greetings and felicitations to you and to the friendly people of the Republic of Namibia on the occasion of your National Day.
We sincerely cherish our friendly relations with your great country, which I was very happy to visit last year. Our discussions and agreements during that visit not only strengthened co-operation in diverse areas but have also opened new vistas of engagement. I look forward to further deepen our co-operative ties for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. India stands with you, as always, in your nation building endeavours.
Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and long life and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Namibia”.
*****
Hindustani78
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The Minister of Communications Affairs, Ethiopia, Dr. Negeri Lencho meeting the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shri A.P. Frank Noronha, in New Delhi on March 21, 2017.
The Minister of Communications Affairs, Ethiopia, Dr. Negeri Lencho meeting the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shri A.P. Frank Noronha, in New Delhi on March 21, 2017.
The Minister of Communications Affairs, Ethiopia, Dr. Negeri Lencho meeting the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shri A.P. Frank Noronha, in New Delhi on March 21, 2017.
The Minister of Communications Affairs, Ethiopia, Dr. Negeri Lencho meeting the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shri A.P. Frank Noronha, in New Delhi on March 21, 2017.
The Minister of Communications Affairs, Ethiopia, Dr. Negeri Lencho meeting the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Shri A.P. Frank Noronha, in New Delhi on March 21, 2017.
Hindustani78
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A Parliamentary delegation from Namibia led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Prof. Peter H. Katjavivi calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, in New Delhi on March 28, 2017.
A Parliamentary delegation from Namibia led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Prof. Peter H. Katjavivi meeting the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on March 28, 2017.
A Parliamentary delegation from Namibia led by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Prof. Peter H. Katjavivi meeting the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on March 28, 2017.
Hindustani78
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The Tourism Minister, Uganda, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and the Honorary Consul General of Uganda, Shri Madhusudan Agarwal meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on April 20, 2017.
The Tourism Minister, Uganda, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and the Honorary Consul General of Uganda, Shri Madhusudan Agarwal meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on April 20, 2017.
The Tourism Minister, Uganda, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and the Honorary Consul General of Uganda, Shri Madhusudan Agarwal meeting the Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in New Delhi on April 20, 2017.
Hindustani78
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http://www.thehindu.com/business/Ec...can-nations/article18491457.ece?homepage=true
African Development Bank meet to be held in Gujarat
India has extended credit totalling $7.6 billion to African nations and aims to use the upcoming annual meeting of the African Development Bank in Gujarat this month to strengthen its trade ties with the continent.
As on March 31, 2017, India has extended 152 lines of credit to 44 African nations amounting to $7.6 billion, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said. The meeting will take place on May 22-26 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will inaugurate the meeting, had in the India-Africa Summit committed a $10 billion line of credit to African nations.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has 81 member countries, 57 of which are from Africa. India is among the other 24 non-regional members.
Indian companies have invested $72 billion in African nations as of 2014-15, Mr. Das added, saying that this made up 20% of the total investment in those countries.
African Development Bank meet to be held in Gujarat
India has extended credit totalling $7.6 billion to African nations and aims to use the upcoming annual meeting of the African Development Bank in Gujarat this month to strengthen its trade ties with the continent.
As on March 31, 2017, India has extended 152 lines of credit to 44 African nations amounting to $7.6 billion, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das said. The meeting will take place on May 22-26 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will inaugurate the meeting, had in the India-Africa Summit committed a $10 billion line of credit to African nations.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has 81 member countries, 57 of which are from Africa. India is among the other 24 non-regional members.
Indian companies have invested $72 billion in African nations as of 2014-15, Mr. Das added, saying that this made up 20% of the total investment in those countries.
Hindustani78
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Prime Minister's Office
22-May, 2017 12:59 IST
PM to visit Gujarat today; to attend African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Gandhinagar on Tuesday
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat from today. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stone for various development projects in Kutch today. On Tuesday, 23 May, Prime Minister will participate in the opening ceremony of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Gandhinagar.
In a series of tweets yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the details of his two-day visit to Gujarat.
“Tomorrow I will begin a two day Gujarat visit, during which I will join programmes in Kutch and Gandhinagar.
I shall inaugurate & lay the foundation stone for various projects of the Kandla Port and address a public meeting at Gandhidham.
In Bhachau, a pumping station would be inaugurated & I shall join a public meeting. Watch it on your mobile. http://nm4.in/dnldapp
Kutch has a very special place in my heart. It is blessed with wonderful people and a remarkable spirit of resilience.
From suffering unimaginable destruction due to the 2001 quake, Kutch is today known as one of India’s fastest growing districts.
On Tuesday, I will be in Gandhinagar to participate in the opening ceremony of the meetings of the @AfDB_Group.
The Annual Meetings of @AfDB_Group have chosen the very relevant theme of ‘Transforming Agriculture for Wealth Creation in Africa.’
On the sidelines of @AfDB_Group Annual Meetings, I shall meet some of the distinguished delegates who will be taking part in #AfDBAM2017.”, the Prime Minister tweeted.
****
Ministry of Finance
22-May, 2017 17:57 IST
The Union Minister of Finance Shri Arun Jaitley says India-Africa together can shape the future of the world
FM Shri Arun Jaitley: India-Africa partnership model is unique; the cornerstone is voluntary partnership without any imposition on partner
The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jailtey said that the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Annual Meeting organized in India this year is a new chapter in India - Africa relationship. India-Africa together can shape the future of the world, he added. Shri Jaitley was speaking at the Opening Session of Annual meeting of African Development Bank themed on 'Africa-India Cooperation on enhancing the High 5 Strategy' at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat today.
Shri Jaitley said “our commitment is reflected in high level engagement with Africa on a scale never seen before.” He further added that ''India-Africa partnership model is unique; the cornerstone is voluntary partnership without any imposition on partner and the partner is free to decide what is best for them.”
Talking about the 'High 5' Agenda of the AfDB, the Finance Minister said that the High 5 Agenda is not different from Indian policy. “If India is a bright spot, then Africa is not very far away”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shaktikanta Das, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance called Africa a continent of immense opportunities and said that there are opportunities for India and Africa to revive global growth.
Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice President, Republic of Cote d’lvoire, Akinwumi Adesina, President, African development Bank, Rakesh Bharti Mittal, President designate, CII, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
****
22-May, 2017 12:59 IST
PM to visit Gujarat today; to attend African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Gandhinagar on Tuesday
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat from today. The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stone for various development projects in Kutch today. On Tuesday, 23 May, Prime Minister will participate in the opening ceremony of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings in Gandhinagar.
In a series of tweets yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the details of his two-day visit to Gujarat.
“Tomorrow I will begin a two day Gujarat visit, during which I will join programmes in Kutch and Gandhinagar.
I shall inaugurate & lay the foundation stone for various projects of the Kandla Port and address a public meeting at Gandhidham.
In Bhachau, a pumping station would be inaugurated & I shall join a public meeting. Watch it on your mobile. http://nm4.in/dnldapp
Kutch has a very special place in my heart. It is blessed with wonderful people and a remarkable spirit of resilience.
From suffering unimaginable destruction due to the 2001 quake, Kutch is today known as one of India’s fastest growing districts.
On Tuesday, I will be in Gandhinagar to participate in the opening ceremony of the meetings of the @AfDB_Group.
The Annual Meetings of @AfDB_Group have chosen the very relevant theme of ‘Transforming Agriculture for Wealth Creation in Africa.’
On the sidelines of @AfDB_Group Annual Meetings, I shall meet some of the distinguished delegates who will be taking part in #AfDBAM2017.”, the Prime Minister tweeted.
****
Ministry of Finance
22-May, 2017 17:57 IST
The Union Minister of Finance Shri Arun Jaitley says India-Africa together can shape the future of the world
FM Shri Arun Jaitley: India-Africa partnership model is unique; the cornerstone is voluntary partnership without any imposition on partner
The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jailtey said that the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Annual Meeting organized in India this year is a new chapter in India - Africa relationship. India-Africa together can shape the future of the world, he added. Shri Jaitley was speaking at the Opening Session of Annual meeting of African Development Bank themed on 'Africa-India Cooperation on enhancing the High 5 Strategy' at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat today.
Shri Jaitley said “our commitment is reflected in high level engagement with Africa on a scale never seen before.” He further added that ''India-Africa partnership model is unique; the cornerstone is voluntary partnership without any imposition on partner and the partner is free to decide what is best for them.”
Talking about the 'High 5' Agenda of the AfDB, the Finance Minister said that the High 5 Agenda is not different from Indian policy. “If India is a bright spot, then Africa is not very far away”, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shaktikanta Das, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance called Africa a continent of immense opportunities and said that there are opportunities for India and Africa to revive global growth.
Daniel Kablan Duncan, Vice President, Republic of Cote d’lvoire, Akinwumi Adesina, President, African development Bank, Rakesh Bharti Mittal, President designate, CII, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
****
Hindustani78
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Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley with Minister for Utilities of Nauru Aaron Cook pose during signing and ratification ceremony of the International Solar Alliance in Gandhinagar on Monday. | Photo Credit: Vijay Soneji
http://www.thehindu.com/business/Ec...liance-pact/article18524199.ece?homepage=true
Five more African nations — Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, Ghana and Djibouti — have committed to sign the Solar Alliance pact.
The world’s smallest republic, the tiny island nation of Nauru — has become the sixth country to ratify the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework pact initiated by the Indian and French governments at the climate change summit held at Paris in 2015.
Five more African nations — Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Somalia, Ghana and Djibouti — have committed to sign the Solar Alliance pact during the ongoing meeting of the African Development bank in India.
Nauru, which has a population of just 10,200-odd and the highest point on its terrain is only 65 metres above sea leve, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, said the country’s commerce, industry and environment minister Aaron Cook before handing over the ratification document to Union Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday afternoon.
“Nauru has a hot and humid climate due to its proximity to the Equator… We are fortunate that we don’t normally experience cyclones,” Mr Cook said, adding that 30 per cent of the country’s needs are currently met through solar power installations and it has set a target to attain 50 per cent of energy production from renewable sources by 2020.
The motivating factor behind the International Solar Alliance, Mr Jaitley said, is the need for continents like Asia and Africa to protect the environment while generating energy for development goals.
“With today’s signing up by five African countries, we will reach around 31 countries, of which six have already ratified the pact. This is an important alliance for the future and what we are doing today is not just an agreement, but a new chapter in the future economic history of the world,” Mr. Jaitley said.
Headquartered in India, the alliance conceived as a coalition of solar resource rich countries to collaborate on meeting their energy needs through a common, agreed approach, will become a legal entity once at least 15 countries ratify and deposit the framework agreement.
India has earmarked about $2 billion to finance solar projects in Africa out of it commitment to provide $10 billion of concessional lines of credit for projects in the continent.
A foreign ministry statement said that Mauritius is expected to sign and ratify the ISA Framework pact together on May 27, during the upcoming visit of its Prime Minister to India. Fiji, which had signed up earlier, has also completed the ratification process and will deposit its instrument in the next few weeks.
Fledgingwings
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This guy Must have taken hell of time to put all this stuff together if not copy pasted.for once I thought he is talking to himself.
Hindustani78
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23-May, 2017 11:29 IST
Prime Minister’s Speech at the inauguration of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Your Excellencies the Presidents of Benin and Senegal Your Excellency the Vice President of Cote D’Ivoire
President of the African Development Bank
Secretary-General of the African Union
Commissioner of the African Union Commission
My Cabinet colleague Shri Arun Jaitley
Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani
Distinguished guests and brothers and sisters from Africa
Ladies and Gentlemen
We are gathered today in the state of Gujarat. The Gujarati flair for business is well known. Gujaratis are also famous for their love of Africa! As an Indian and a Gujarati, I am very happy that this meeting is being held in India and that too in Gujarat.
India has had strong ties with Africa for centuries. Historically, communities from western India, especially Gujarat, and the eastern coast of Africa have settled in each other's lands. The Siddhis of India are said to have come from East Africa. The Bohra communities in coastal Kenya date back to the twelfth century. Vasco da Gama is said to have reached Calicut with the help of a Gujarati sailor from Malindi. The dhows of Gujarat took merchandise in both directions. Ancient links between societies have also enriched our cultures. The rich Swahili language includes many Hindi words.
During the colonial era, thirty-two thousand Indians came to Kenya to build the iconic Mombasa Uganda railway. Many lost their lives during its construction. Around six thousand of them stayed back and brought their families. Many of them started small businesses called "dukas" and came to be known as the "dukkawalas". During the colonial years, merchants, artisans and later officials, teachers, doctors and other professionals went to East and West Africa creating a vibrant community which combines the best of India and Africa.
Mahatma Gandhi, another Gujarati, perfected his tools of non-violent struggle in South Africa. He also visited Tanzania in 1912 along with Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Several leaders of Indian origin supported strongly, and fought alongside, the leaders of Africa's struggles for independence, including Mr. Nyerere, Mr. Kenyatta, and Nelson Mandela. After the freedom struggle, several leaders of Indian origin were also appointed in the Cabinets of Tanzania and South Africa. There are at least six Tanzanians of Indian origin who are now serving as Members of Parliament in Tanzania.
The trade union movement of East Africa was started by Makhan Singh. It was during the trade union meetings that the first call for Kenyan independence was sounded. M. A. Desai and Pio Gama Pinto participated actively in Kenya’s independence struggle. The then Prime Minister Pandit Nehru sent an Indian Member of Parliament Diwan Chaman Lall to be part of Mr. Kenyatta’s defence team, when the latter was imprisoned and tried during the Kapenguria trial in 1953. The defence team included two other persons of Indian origin. India was steadfast in its support for Africa’s freedom. Nelson Mandela said, and I quote, “India came to our aid when the rest of the world stood by or gave succour to our oppressors. When the doors of international Councils were closed to us, India opened the way. You took up our battles, as if they were your own.”
Over decades, our ties have become stronger. After assuming office in 2014, I have made Africa a top priority for India’s foreign and economic policy. The year 2015 was a watershed. The third India Africa Summit held that year was attended by all fifty-four African countries having diplomatic relations with India. A record forty-one African countries participated at the level of Heads of State or Government.
Since 2015, I have visited six African Countries, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius and Seychelles. Our President has visited three countries, Namibia, Ghana and Ivory Coast. The Vice-President visited seven countries, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali, Algeria, Rwanda and Uganda. I am proud to say that there is no country in Africa that has not been visited by an Indian Minister in the last three years. Friends, from a time when we mainly had mercantile and maritime links between Mombasa and Mumbai, we have today
• this Annual meeting which connects Abidjan and Ahmedabad
• business links between Bamako and Bangalore
• cricketing links between Chennai and Cape Town
• development links between Delhi and Dakar.
This brings me to our development cooperation. India’s partnership with Africa is based on a model of cooperation which is responsive to the needs of African countries. It is demand-driven and free of conditions.
As one plank of this cooperation, India extends lines of credit through India’s Exim Bank. 152 credits have been extended to 44 countries for a total amount of nearly 8 billion dollars.
During the Third India-Africa Forum Summit, India offered 10 billion dollars for development projects over the next five years. We also offered grant assistance of 600 million dollars.
India is proud of its educational and technical ties with Africa. Thirteen current or former Presidents, Prime Ministers and Vice Presidents in Africa have attended educational or training institutions in India. Six current or former chiefs of armed forces in Africa trained in India’s military institutions. Two current Ministers of the Interior have attended Indian institutions. Under the popular India Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, more than thirty three thousand scholarships have been offered to officials from African countries since 2007.
One of our best partnerships in the area of skills is the training of “solar mamas”. Every year eighty African women are trained in India to work on solar panels and circuits. After their training they go back and literally electrify their communities. Each woman is responsible for electrifying 50 houses in her community on return. A necessary condition for the women to be selected is that they be illiterate or semi-literate. They also learn several other skills, like basket making, bee keeping, and kitchen gardening during their stay.
We have successfully completed the Pan Africa e-network project for tele-medicine and tele-network covering 48 African countries. Five leading universities in India offered certificate, under graduate and post graduate programmes. Twelve super-speciality hospitals offered consultations and Continuous Medical Education. Around seven thousand students have concluded their studies. We will soon launch the next phase.
We will soon successfully complete the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme for African Countries launched in 2012. The project was implemented in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda.
Friends,
Africa-India trade has multiplied in the last fifteen years. It has doubled in the last five years to reach nearly seventy-two billion US dollars in 2014-15. India’s commodity trade with Africa in 2015-16 was higher than our commodity trade with the United States of America.
India is also working with United States and Japan to support development in Africa. I gladly recall my detailed conversation with Prime Minister Abe during my visit to Tokyo. We discussed our commitment for enhancing growth prospects for all. In our joint declaration, we mentioned an Asia Africa Growth Corridor and proposed further conversations with our brothers and sisters from Africa.
Indian and Japanese research institutions have come up with a Vision Document. I congratulate RIS, ERIA and IDE-JETRO for their efforts in putting it together. This was done in consultation with think tanks from Africa. I understand the Vision Document would be presented at the Board meeting later. The idea is that India and Japan, with other willing partners, would explore joint initiatives in skills, health, infrastructure, manufacturing and connectivity.
Our partnership is not confined to Governments alone. India’s private sector is at the forefront of driving this impetus. From 1996 to 2016, Africa accounted for nearly one-fifth of Indian overseas direct investments. India is the fifth largest country investing in the continent, with investments over the past twenty years amounting to fifty four billion dollars, creating jobs for Africans.
We are encouraged by the response of African countries to the International Solar Alliance initiative, which was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015. The Alliance is conceived as a coalition of countries rich in solar resources, to address their special energy needs. I am happy to note that many African countries have extended their support to this initiative.
As a founder of the New Development Bank, popularly called the “BRICS bank”, India has consistently supported establishment of a Regional Centre in South Africa. This will provide a platform to promote collaboration between NDB and other development partners including the African Development Bank.
India joined the African Development Fund in 1982 and the African Development Bank in 1983. India has contributed to all of the Bank’s General Capital Increases. For the most recent African Development Fund replenishment, India pledged twenty nine million dollars. We have contributed to the Highly Indebted Poor Countries and Multilateral Debt Reduction Initiatives.
On the sidelines of these Meetings, the Government of India is organising a Conference and Dialogue in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry. There is also an exhibition in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The focus areas range from Agriculture to Innovation and start-ups and other themes.
The theme of this event is “Transforming Agriculture for wealth creation in Africa”. This is an area where India and the Bank can fruitfully join hands. I have already mentioned the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme.
Here in India, I have launched an initiative to double farmers’ incomes by 2022. It will require concerted steps, ranging from improved seeds and optimal inputs, to reduced crop losses and better marketing infrastructure. India is keen to learn from your experiences as we proceed on this initiative.
My African brothers and sisters,
Many of the challenges we face are the same: uplifting our farmers and the poor, empowering women, ensuring our rural communities have access to finance, building infrastructure. We have to do these within financial constraints. We have to maintain macro-economic stability so that inflation is controlled and our balance of payments is stable. There is much for us to gain by sharing our experiences on all these fronts. For example, in our push to a less-cash economy, we have learnt from the great strides that African countries like Kenya have made in the area of mobile banking.
I am happy to share that India has, in the last three years, improved on all macro-economic indicators. The fiscal deficit, balance of payments deficit, and inflation are down. The GDP growth rate, foreign exchange reserves and public capital investment are up. At the same time, we have made big strides in development.
Mr. President of the African Development Bank, it is reported that you have described our recent steps as text book chapters for other developing nations and called us a development beacon. While thanking you for these kind words, I am also glad to know that you have spent quite some time training in Hyderabad earlier. However, I must say that I remain focused on the many challenges ahead. In that context, I thought I could share with you some of the strategies we have used in the last 3 years.
By paying subsidies directly to the poor rather than indirectly through price concessions, we have achieved large fiscal savings. In cooking gas alone we have saved over 4 billion dollars in three years. In addition, I appealed to well-off citizens to voluntarily give up their gas subsidy. Under the ‘Give it up’ campaign, we promised the saving would be used to provide a connection to a poor family. You will be surprised to know that over 10 million Indians volunteered to do so. Thanks to the savings, we have launched a programme to provide gas connections to 50 million poor families. More than 15 million connections have already been provided. This transforms the lives of rural women. It frees them from the health hazards of cooking with firewood. It also protects the environment and reduces pollution. This is an example of what I call ‘reform to transform’: a concerted set of actions which transform lives.
Some of the subsidised urea fertiliser intended for farmers used to get illegally diverted to non-agricultural uses, like production of chemicals. We introduced universal neem-coating of urea. This makes the fertiliser unsuitable for diversion. Not only have we got substantial financial savings but in addition, studies have shown that neem coating has improved the effectiveness of the fertiliser.
We are also providing our farmers with soil health cards which tell them the exact nature of their soil, and advise on the best mix of inputs. This promotes optimal use of inputs, and increases crop yield.
We have made unprecedented increases in capital investment in infrastructure, covering railways, highways, power, and gas pipelines. By next year, no village in India will be without electricity. Our Clean Ganga, Renewable Energy, Digital India, Smart Cities, Housing for All and Skill India missions are preparing us for a cleaner, more prosperous, faster growing and modern new India. Our aim is that India must be an engine of growth as well as an example in climate friendly development in the years to come.
There are two crucial factors which have helped us. The first set of changes is in the banking system. In the last 3 years, we have achieved universal banking. We launched the Jan Dhan Yojana or People’s Money campaign under which over two hundred and eighty million bank accounts have been opened for the poor in urban and rural areas. Thanks to that initiative, virtually every Indian family has a bank account. Normally banks are associated with helping businesses and the rich. We have enlisted them for helping the poor in their quest for development. We have strengthened our state-owned banks by freeing them from political decisions and appointing professional chief executives on merit through a transparent selection process.
Our universal biometric identification system called Aadhaar has been the second crucial element. It prevents claiming of benefits by those who are not eligible. It enables us to ensure that those who deserve government aid receive it with ease, while excluding non-genuine claims.
Friends, let me conclude by wishing you a very successful and productive annual meeting. In the sports arena, India cannot compete with Africa in long distance running. But I can assure you that India will always stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, supporting you in the long and difficult race for a better future.
Excellencies! Ladies and Gentlemen! I now have great pleasure in officially declaring the Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank Group open.
Thank you!
***
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017. The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley and other dignitaries are also seen.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the foreign delegates at the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the foreign delegates at the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Vice President of Ivory Coast, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Vice President of Ivory Coast, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Vice President of Ivory Coast, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the former President of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
23-May, 2017 11:29 IST
Prime Minister’s Speech at the inauguration of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Your Excellencies the Presidents of Benin and Senegal Your Excellency the Vice President of Cote D’Ivoire
President of the African Development Bank
Secretary-General of the African Union
Commissioner of the African Union Commission
My Cabinet colleague Shri Arun Jaitley
Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani
Distinguished guests and brothers and sisters from Africa
Ladies and Gentlemen
We are gathered today in the state of Gujarat. The Gujarati flair for business is well known. Gujaratis are also famous for their love of Africa! As an Indian and a Gujarati, I am very happy that this meeting is being held in India and that too in Gujarat.
India has had strong ties with Africa for centuries. Historically, communities from western India, especially Gujarat, and the eastern coast of Africa have settled in each other's lands. The Siddhis of India are said to have come from East Africa. The Bohra communities in coastal Kenya date back to the twelfth century. Vasco da Gama is said to have reached Calicut with the help of a Gujarati sailor from Malindi. The dhows of Gujarat took merchandise in both directions. Ancient links between societies have also enriched our cultures. The rich Swahili language includes many Hindi words.
During the colonial era, thirty-two thousand Indians came to Kenya to build the iconic Mombasa Uganda railway. Many lost their lives during its construction. Around six thousand of them stayed back and brought their families. Many of them started small businesses called "dukas" and came to be known as the "dukkawalas". During the colonial years, merchants, artisans and later officials, teachers, doctors and other professionals went to East and West Africa creating a vibrant community which combines the best of India and Africa.
Mahatma Gandhi, another Gujarati, perfected his tools of non-violent struggle in South Africa. He also visited Tanzania in 1912 along with Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Several leaders of Indian origin supported strongly, and fought alongside, the leaders of Africa's struggles for independence, including Mr. Nyerere, Mr. Kenyatta, and Nelson Mandela. After the freedom struggle, several leaders of Indian origin were also appointed in the Cabinets of Tanzania and South Africa. There are at least six Tanzanians of Indian origin who are now serving as Members of Parliament in Tanzania.
The trade union movement of East Africa was started by Makhan Singh. It was during the trade union meetings that the first call for Kenyan independence was sounded. M. A. Desai and Pio Gama Pinto participated actively in Kenya’s independence struggle. The then Prime Minister Pandit Nehru sent an Indian Member of Parliament Diwan Chaman Lall to be part of Mr. Kenyatta’s defence team, when the latter was imprisoned and tried during the Kapenguria trial in 1953. The defence team included two other persons of Indian origin. India was steadfast in its support for Africa’s freedom. Nelson Mandela said, and I quote, “India came to our aid when the rest of the world stood by or gave succour to our oppressors. When the doors of international Councils were closed to us, India opened the way. You took up our battles, as if they were your own.”
Over decades, our ties have become stronger. After assuming office in 2014, I have made Africa a top priority for India’s foreign and economic policy. The year 2015 was a watershed. The third India Africa Summit held that year was attended by all fifty-four African countries having diplomatic relations with India. A record forty-one African countries participated at the level of Heads of State or Government.
Since 2015, I have visited six African Countries, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius and Seychelles. Our President has visited three countries, Namibia, Ghana and Ivory Coast. The Vice-President visited seven countries, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali, Algeria, Rwanda and Uganda. I am proud to say that there is no country in Africa that has not been visited by an Indian Minister in the last three years. Friends, from a time when we mainly had mercantile and maritime links between Mombasa and Mumbai, we have today
• this Annual meeting which connects Abidjan and Ahmedabad
• business links between Bamako and Bangalore
• cricketing links between Chennai and Cape Town
• development links between Delhi and Dakar.
This brings me to our development cooperation. India’s partnership with Africa is based on a model of cooperation which is responsive to the needs of African countries. It is demand-driven and free of conditions.
As one plank of this cooperation, India extends lines of credit through India’s Exim Bank. 152 credits have been extended to 44 countries for a total amount of nearly 8 billion dollars.
During the Third India-Africa Forum Summit, India offered 10 billion dollars for development projects over the next five years. We also offered grant assistance of 600 million dollars.
India is proud of its educational and technical ties with Africa. Thirteen current or former Presidents, Prime Ministers and Vice Presidents in Africa have attended educational or training institutions in India. Six current or former chiefs of armed forces in Africa trained in India’s military institutions. Two current Ministers of the Interior have attended Indian institutions. Under the popular India Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, more than thirty three thousand scholarships have been offered to officials from African countries since 2007.
One of our best partnerships in the area of skills is the training of “solar mamas”. Every year eighty African women are trained in India to work on solar panels and circuits. After their training they go back and literally electrify their communities. Each woman is responsible for electrifying 50 houses in her community on return. A necessary condition for the women to be selected is that they be illiterate or semi-literate. They also learn several other skills, like basket making, bee keeping, and kitchen gardening during their stay.
We have successfully completed the Pan Africa e-network project for tele-medicine and tele-network covering 48 African countries. Five leading universities in India offered certificate, under graduate and post graduate programmes. Twelve super-speciality hospitals offered consultations and Continuous Medical Education. Around seven thousand students have concluded their studies. We will soon launch the next phase.
We will soon successfully complete the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme for African Countries launched in 2012. The project was implemented in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Malawi, Nigeria and Uganda.
Friends,
Africa-India trade has multiplied in the last fifteen years. It has doubled in the last five years to reach nearly seventy-two billion US dollars in 2014-15. India’s commodity trade with Africa in 2015-16 was higher than our commodity trade with the United States of America.
India is also working with United States and Japan to support development in Africa. I gladly recall my detailed conversation with Prime Minister Abe during my visit to Tokyo. We discussed our commitment for enhancing growth prospects for all. In our joint declaration, we mentioned an Asia Africa Growth Corridor and proposed further conversations with our brothers and sisters from Africa.
Indian and Japanese research institutions have come up with a Vision Document. I congratulate RIS, ERIA and IDE-JETRO for their efforts in putting it together. This was done in consultation with think tanks from Africa. I understand the Vision Document would be presented at the Board meeting later. The idea is that India and Japan, with other willing partners, would explore joint initiatives in skills, health, infrastructure, manufacturing and connectivity.
Our partnership is not confined to Governments alone. India’s private sector is at the forefront of driving this impetus. From 1996 to 2016, Africa accounted for nearly one-fifth of Indian overseas direct investments. India is the fifth largest country investing in the continent, with investments over the past twenty years amounting to fifty four billion dollars, creating jobs for Africans.
We are encouraged by the response of African countries to the International Solar Alliance initiative, which was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in November 2015. The Alliance is conceived as a coalition of countries rich in solar resources, to address their special energy needs. I am happy to note that many African countries have extended their support to this initiative.
As a founder of the New Development Bank, popularly called the “BRICS bank”, India has consistently supported establishment of a Regional Centre in South Africa. This will provide a platform to promote collaboration between NDB and other development partners including the African Development Bank.
India joined the African Development Fund in 1982 and the African Development Bank in 1983. India has contributed to all of the Bank’s General Capital Increases. For the most recent African Development Fund replenishment, India pledged twenty nine million dollars. We have contributed to the Highly Indebted Poor Countries and Multilateral Debt Reduction Initiatives.
On the sidelines of these Meetings, the Government of India is organising a Conference and Dialogue in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry. There is also an exhibition in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The focus areas range from Agriculture to Innovation and start-ups and other themes.
The theme of this event is “Transforming Agriculture for wealth creation in Africa”. This is an area where India and the Bank can fruitfully join hands. I have already mentioned the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme.
Here in India, I have launched an initiative to double farmers’ incomes by 2022. It will require concerted steps, ranging from improved seeds and optimal inputs, to reduced crop losses and better marketing infrastructure. India is keen to learn from your experiences as we proceed on this initiative.
My African brothers and sisters,
Many of the challenges we face are the same: uplifting our farmers and the poor, empowering women, ensuring our rural communities have access to finance, building infrastructure. We have to do these within financial constraints. We have to maintain macro-economic stability so that inflation is controlled and our balance of payments is stable. There is much for us to gain by sharing our experiences on all these fronts. For example, in our push to a less-cash economy, we have learnt from the great strides that African countries like Kenya have made in the area of mobile banking.
I am happy to share that India has, in the last three years, improved on all macro-economic indicators. The fiscal deficit, balance of payments deficit, and inflation are down. The GDP growth rate, foreign exchange reserves and public capital investment are up. At the same time, we have made big strides in development.
Mr. President of the African Development Bank, it is reported that you have described our recent steps as text book chapters for other developing nations and called us a development beacon. While thanking you for these kind words, I am also glad to know that you have spent quite some time training in Hyderabad earlier. However, I must say that I remain focused on the many challenges ahead. In that context, I thought I could share with you some of the strategies we have used in the last 3 years.
By paying subsidies directly to the poor rather than indirectly through price concessions, we have achieved large fiscal savings. In cooking gas alone we have saved over 4 billion dollars in three years. In addition, I appealed to well-off citizens to voluntarily give up their gas subsidy. Under the ‘Give it up’ campaign, we promised the saving would be used to provide a connection to a poor family. You will be surprised to know that over 10 million Indians volunteered to do so. Thanks to the savings, we have launched a programme to provide gas connections to 50 million poor families. More than 15 million connections have already been provided. This transforms the lives of rural women. It frees them from the health hazards of cooking with firewood. It also protects the environment and reduces pollution. This is an example of what I call ‘reform to transform’: a concerted set of actions which transform lives.
Some of the subsidised urea fertiliser intended for farmers used to get illegally diverted to non-agricultural uses, like production of chemicals. We introduced universal neem-coating of urea. This makes the fertiliser unsuitable for diversion. Not only have we got substantial financial savings but in addition, studies have shown that neem coating has improved the effectiveness of the fertiliser.
We are also providing our farmers with soil health cards which tell them the exact nature of their soil, and advise on the best mix of inputs. This promotes optimal use of inputs, and increases crop yield.
We have made unprecedented increases in capital investment in infrastructure, covering railways, highways, power, and gas pipelines. By next year, no village in India will be without electricity. Our Clean Ganga, Renewable Energy, Digital India, Smart Cities, Housing for All and Skill India missions are preparing us for a cleaner, more prosperous, faster growing and modern new India. Our aim is that India must be an engine of growth as well as an example in climate friendly development in the years to come.
There are two crucial factors which have helped us. The first set of changes is in the banking system. In the last 3 years, we have achieved universal banking. We launched the Jan Dhan Yojana or People’s Money campaign under which over two hundred and eighty million bank accounts have been opened for the poor in urban and rural areas. Thanks to that initiative, virtually every Indian family has a bank account. Normally banks are associated with helping businesses and the rich. We have enlisted them for helping the poor in their quest for development. We have strengthened our state-owned banks by freeing them from political decisions and appointing professional chief executives on merit through a transparent selection process.
Our universal biometric identification system called Aadhaar has been the second crucial element. It prevents claiming of benefits by those who are not eligible. It enables us to ensure that those who deserve government aid receive it with ease, while excluding non-genuine claims.
Friends, let me conclude by wishing you a very successful and productive annual meeting. In the sports arena, India cannot compete with Africa in long distance running. But I can assure you that India will always stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, supporting you in the long and difficult race for a better future.
Excellencies! Ladies and Gentlemen! I now have great pleasure in officially declaring the Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank Group open.
Thank you!
***
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the opening ceremony of the Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017. The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Defence, Shri Arun Jaitley and other dignitaries are also seen.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the foreign delegates at the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the foreign delegates at the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meetings, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Vice President of Ivory Coast, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Vice President of Ivory Coast, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Vice President of Ivory Coast, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Macky Sall, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the former President of Ghana, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, on the sidelines of the 52nd African Development Bank Annual meeting, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi departs from Ahmedabad, Gujarat on May 23, 2017.
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The Minister of State for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines (Independent Charge), Shri Piyush Goyal at the ‘Strengthening International Solar Alliance & Africa-India Renewable Energy Partnerships’, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on May 24, 2017.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
25-May, 2017 15:30 IST
“ISA can act as a medium to achieve universal energy access target set up before 2030”- Shri Piyush Goyal
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, Mines and New & Renewable Energy said that International Solar Alliance ( ISA) can act as a medium to spread lessons on energy security which can help achieve universal energy access target set up in SDGs before 2030. He was speaking at the launch of “Scaling Solar MiniGrids” by France and India on the sidelines of 52nd Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Ahmedabad yesterday.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Goyal called for deeper Indo-African cooperation. He said that Indian renewable energy sector offers lessons such as lower and innovative financing models, risk reduction, setting up large scale solar projects through energy parks. “India has achieved grid parity in solar tariffs”, he added.
Shri Piyush Goyal also said that Scaling Solar MiniGrids shall work in tandem with ISA’s over all objectives and already existing two programmes, namely Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use and Affordable Finance at Scale launched on 22nd April, 2016. The main activities under the programme shall include-design and deploy small grids, adopt common standards, aggregate demand, help establish global credit enhancement and de-risking mechanisms, call for expression of interest, assess demand and costs requirement for mini grid projects, identify/develop attractive payment models for consumers, and persuade member countries with overseas assistance budgets to earmark a portion of their soft loan for the Third Programme.
The objective of the event is to cater to the energy needs of ISA Member states in identified areas with unreliable or no grid(s), and in island member states having abundant potential to tap solar energy. Such participating member countries can take advantage of the available solutions to promote universal energy access and reduce electricity costs and tariffs through introduction and promotion of mini, micro, and nano grids with smart features for harnessing solar power, in a time bound manner.
Mr. Ahmed Said Hassaini Djaffar, Vice President of the Republic of Comoros in his address welcomed the ISA initiative and stated that Africa is a solar resource rich region and can help achieve targets in solar energy.
ISA’s third programme is an attempt to address the challenges in integrating solar energy into insular or unconnected electricity grids. The challenges mainly include iniquitous electricity tariff regimes, small and disaggregated size of the markets, building up of local skill sets, lack of access to low cost capital, effective interconnection to grids in rural, remote and urban areas etc. In addition management of variability, intermittency and its impact on the stability of small-scale electricity systems also add to the woes.
Recently Expression of Interest have been received from Indian companies to install 664,000 solar pumps, install 56 MW of Minigrids and train 5400 solar mechanics in the African countries who have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement. Government of India is extending a US $ 10 billion line of credit for undertaking developmental work in African countries. On the request of ISA, Government of India has agreed to earmark 15-20% of this line of credit for undertaking solar related projects. H.E. Mrs. Ségolène Royal, Minister for Environment, Energy and Marine Affairs of France, in charge of International Relations on climate change, was the main architect and motivator to launch this programme during such a short period. Delegation from the French Embassy was present too on this occasion.
The International Solar Alliance is an initiative jointly launched by the Honourable Prime Minister of India and Honourable President of France on 30th November 2015 at Paris, in the presence of the Secretary General of the UN, on the side lines of COP21. The main objective of ISA is to undertake joint efforts required to reduce the cost of finance and the cost of technology, mobilize more than US $ 1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy, and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs of 121 countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics. So far 31 countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA, which is the first international and intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in India.
*****
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
25-May, 2017 15:30 IST
“ISA can act as a medium to achieve universal energy access target set up before 2030”- Shri Piyush Goyal
Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, Mines and New & Renewable Energy said that International Solar Alliance ( ISA) can act as a medium to spread lessons on energy security which can help achieve universal energy access target set up in SDGs before 2030. He was speaking at the launch of “Scaling Solar MiniGrids” by France and India on the sidelines of 52nd Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Ahmedabad yesterday.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Goyal called for deeper Indo-African cooperation. He said that Indian renewable energy sector offers lessons such as lower and innovative financing models, risk reduction, setting up large scale solar projects through energy parks. “India has achieved grid parity in solar tariffs”, he added.
Shri Piyush Goyal also said that Scaling Solar MiniGrids shall work in tandem with ISA’s over all objectives and already existing two programmes, namely Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use and Affordable Finance at Scale launched on 22nd April, 2016. The main activities under the programme shall include-design and deploy small grids, adopt common standards, aggregate demand, help establish global credit enhancement and de-risking mechanisms, call for expression of interest, assess demand and costs requirement for mini grid projects, identify/develop attractive payment models for consumers, and persuade member countries with overseas assistance budgets to earmark a portion of their soft loan for the Third Programme.
The objective of the event is to cater to the energy needs of ISA Member states in identified areas with unreliable or no grid(s), and in island member states having abundant potential to tap solar energy. Such participating member countries can take advantage of the available solutions to promote universal energy access and reduce electricity costs and tariffs through introduction and promotion of mini, micro, and nano grids with smart features for harnessing solar power, in a time bound manner.
Mr. Ahmed Said Hassaini Djaffar, Vice President of the Republic of Comoros in his address welcomed the ISA initiative and stated that Africa is a solar resource rich region and can help achieve targets in solar energy.
ISA’s third programme is an attempt to address the challenges in integrating solar energy into insular or unconnected electricity grids. The challenges mainly include iniquitous electricity tariff regimes, small and disaggregated size of the markets, building up of local skill sets, lack of access to low cost capital, effective interconnection to grids in rural, remote and urban areas etc. In addition management of variability, intermittency and its impact on the stability of small-scale electricity systems also add to the woes.
Recently Expression of Interest have been received from Indian companies to install 664,000 solar pumps, install 56 MW of Minigrids and train 5400 solar mechanics in the African countries who have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement. Government of India is extending a US $ 10 billion line of credit for undertaking developmental work in African countries. On the request of ISA, Government of India has agreed to earmark 15-20% of this line of credit for undertaking solar related projects. H.E. Mrs. Ségolène Royal, Minister for Environment, Energy and Marine Affairs of France, in charge of International Relations on climate change, was the main architect and motivator to launch this programme during such a short period. Delegation from the French Embassy was present too on this occasion.
The International Solar Alliance is an initiative jointly launched by the Honourable Prime Minister of India and Honourable President of France on 30th November 2015 at Paris, in the presence of the Secretary General of the UN, on the side lines of COP21. The main objective of ISA is to undertake joint efforts required to reduce the cost of finance and the cost of technology, mobilize more than US $ 1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy, and pave the way for future technologies adapted to the needs of 121 countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics. So far 31 countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA, which is the first international and intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in India.
*****
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