Surajkund : In a bid to boost industrialization and strengthen economic ties, Haryana hosted the Haryana–Africa Strategic Partnership Meeting on Friday at Surajkund in Faridabad. The event brought together ambassadors and high commissioners from 21 African nations, along with industry leaders and policymakers, to discuss opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, industry, and technology.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini highlighted that Surajkund, known for its rich cultural heritage, is now witnessing a new chapter in India–Africa relations. He emphasized that the Surajkund International Crafts Mela serves as a global platform to showcase folk traditions, handicrafts, and human creativity, fostering both cultural and economic ties.
CM Saini noted that India–Africa relations are rooted in equality, mutual respect, and shared development. He underlined Haryana’s commitment, aligned with PM Narendra Modi’s vision, to fostering strong, long-term partnerships with African nations. Notably, Haryana is the first state in India to establish a dedicated Department of Foreign Cooperation to promote international collaboration.
Surajkund Summit Highlights Haryana’s Growth in Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Multi-Sector Collaboration with Africa
The Chief Minister highlighted Haryana’s rapid growth in agriculture, manufacturing, MSMEs, food processing, automobile components, and startups. With its strategic connectivity to the NCR, the state offers robust logistics and global connectivity, creating opportunities for multi-sectoral cooperation with African countries. Agriculture, he noted, is a key area for collaboration, with Haryana’s expertise in irrigation management, improved seeds, crop diversification, mechanization, dairy, and post-harvest management able to support food security in Africa.
हरियाणा से अफ्रीका तक साझेदारी का नया अध्याय!
आज #Panchjanya2026 Haryana-Africa Strategic Partnership Meet के अवसर पर लगभग 20 अफ्रीकी देशों के राजदूतों के साथ सार्थक संवाद किया। यह ‘विकसित भारत-विकसित हरियाणा’ के संकल्प को वैश्विक मंच पर सशक्त करने की दिशा में एक ठोस कदम है।… pic.twitter.com/XHIhgOoZ7F
— Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) February 13, 2026
CM Saini also pointed out potential collaborations in joint farming, training programs, and technical partnerships with countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Agreements with the Tanzania Investment Centre and other agricultural and institutional bodies are expected to enhance trade, investment, and agricultural cooperation. Other sectors with strong collaboration potential include automobiles, healthcare, IT, construction, skill development, startups, fintech, and MSMEs, with region-specific partnerships possible across Africa.
On environmental sustainability, he stressed that renewable energy, water conservation, and green development are shared responsibilities. Collaborative efforts in solar energy, water management, and eco-friendly initiatives are essential for securing the future. The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, he added, represents not just trade but also the creative economy and cultural identity.
Also read : Haryana CM Nayab Saini Calls India–EU FTA a Historic Trade Breakthrough
Golden Opportunity for India–Africa Trade:
Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh described the meeting as a crucial platform to strengthen India–Africa trade. He noted that bilateral trade has reached around USD 90–100 billion in recent years, with India importing crude oil, gold, coal, fertilizers, and minerals, and exporting petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, machinery, rice, and engineering goods. Rao Singh also highlighted that trade ties are expanding into sectors like education, healthcare, IT, and capacity building.