Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing leaders of 54 African nations today at the Indo-African summit in the New Delhi. Highlights of the speech.


- Fabric of this world is richer because of the 54 sovereign flags of Africa.

-- We are deeply, deeply honoured by your (African leaders) presence today and we send you a warm embrace of welcome and friendship from India.

-- This is not just a meeting of India and Africa. Today, the dreams of one-third of humanity have come together under one roof.

-- Today the heartbeat of 1.25 billion Indians and 1.25 billion Africans are in rhythm.

-- We are the world's oldest civilisation. We are each a vibrant mosaic of languages, religion and culture.

-- Once united by geography, we are now linked by the Indian Ocean. The currents of the mighty ocean have nurtured the kinship for centuries.

-- Two-third of India & Africa is under the age of 35. And, if the future belongs to the youth, then this century is ours to shape and build.


-- Either way, we have enriched each other and strengthened our ties. We have lived in the long shadow of colonialism and we have fought for our liberty and dignity.

-- We have struggled for opportunity and also for justice.