India to pay more attention to North Africa region

On her first trip to Egypt, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said West Asia and North Africa are growing in significance for India’s national interests and the country will pay greater attention to the region by seeking closer cooperation and stronger partnership.

“This region in the Gulf and in the West Asia and North Africa is growing in significance from the perspective of our national interests.

“Not only is this area home to 7 million Indians but is also crucial for our energy security, resources, and indeed our national security. We shall continue to pay greater attention to this region and seek closer cooperation and stronger partnership,” she said at the Indian community reception in Cairo on Sunday night.

Swaraj said the Gulf and the North Africa were crucial for India’s energy security and complimented the diaspora community for their contribution in ensuring stronger ties between countries of the region and India.

Talking about the last general election, she said it has given a “huge mandate” to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and his government is now working tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

Swaraj arrived in Cairo on Sunday on the first leg of her two-nation tour. From here, she will leave for Germany on Tuesday.