India will open 18 new African embassies: PM

India will open 18 new embassies across Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Uganda’s parliament yesterday during a charm-offensive tour of the continent.Rounding off a two-day visit to Kampala, Modi also announced the donation of a badly-needed cancer therapy machine and loans worth $200mn for infrastructure and environmental projects.India, the world’s most populous democracy, is vying for influence in Africa with its regional competitor China which has aggressively developed trade, financial and diplomatic ties on the continent.India currently has 29 full diplomatic missions in Africa, according to Delhi, compared to China which has 50.It hopes to open its new missions within three years, according to an Indian official who did not confirm which countries would receive envoys.“India is proud to be Africa’s partner,” Modi said.“And, Uganda is central to our commitment to the continent,” he said.He assured India’s continued support to Uganda in the fields of agriculture and healthcare, education and training, infrastructure and energy, capacity building in government and training in defence.“As with Uganda, we have deepened our partnership and engagement across the vast expanse of Africa,” Modi said.“In the past four years, our president, vice president and I have collectively visited no less than 25 countries in Africa. Our ministers have covered virtually all African nations.”The prime Minister also said that 32 heads of state or government from African countries visited India in the last four years.Modi also praised Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for welcoming back the so-called Uganda Asians who were expelled by despot Idi Amin Dada, who was in turn ousted by Museveni.“Your visionary leadership has enabled Ugandan people of Indian origin to return to their cherished home, regain their lives and help rebuild the nation that they deeply love,” Modi told a crowded parliament chamber, becoming the first Indian prime minister to address the legislature.