2015 - 3rd India Africa Forum Summit | Commemorative Coin

The 9th commemorative coin of 2015 was released to mark the 3rd India Africa Forum Summit.

The 3rd India Africa Forum Summit marked an important milestone in the deepening partnership between India and the African continent, bringing together a record number of leaders to reaffirm shared values, developmental priorities, and mutual aspirations. Held in New Delhi in October 2015, the summit represented one of the largest gatherings of African nations on Indian soil and showcased India’s commitment to nurturing a relationship rooted in history, solidarity, and cooperation. The event signified the evolution of India–Africa engagement from bilateral interactions to a broad, continent-wide dialogue grounded in political trust, economic development, and cultural connection.

The summit’s significance lay in its inclusiveness, as all 54 African countries were invited, reflecting India’s desire to engage with Africa as a whole rather than through selective partnerships. This wide participation symbolized the strong historical ties that date back centuries, through trade, cultural exchanges, and shared struggles against colonialism. Leaders from both sides emphasized the importance of South–South cooperation as a means to promote equitable development and ensure that emerging economies play a greater role in global decision-making. India reaffirmed that Africa’s development is integral to its own growth and global vision, announcing new initiatives to support capacity building, economic empowerment, and technological collaboration.

Economic cooperation formed a major part of the discussions, with India outlining plans for new lines of credit, grants, and development projects across Africa. These included support for infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, clean energy, and education—sectors crucial to Africa’s long-term growth. India also stressed the importance of knowledge sharing, proposing greater collaboration in science and technology, information technology, and skill development. The summit highlighted how India’s experience with inclusive development and low-cost innovation could help address challenges across the African continent, from rural connectivity to public health.

People-to-people ties were emphasized as a cornerstone of the India–Africa partnership. The summit acknowledged the growing community of African students in India, cultural exchanges, and the long-standing diaspora links in East Africa. Leaders recognized that these human connections strengthen mutual understanding and form the foundation of a lasting relationship. India expressed its support for Africa’s priorities as articulated in Agenda 2063, aligning its development initiatives with Africa’s own vision for progress and self-reliance.

The 3rd India Africa Forum Summit concluded with a renewed commitment to work together on global issues such as climate change, combating terrorism, reforming international institutions, and promoting sustainable development. The Delhi Declaration and Framework for Strategic Cooperation adopted during the summit laid out an ambitious roadmap for future engagement. The event not only reaffirmed India’s role as a trusted development partner but also signaled a shared determination to build a peaceful, prosperous, and interconnected future. By bringing together diverse voices from across two vibrant regions, the summit strengthened a partnership that continues to shape the trajectory of India–Africa relations in the 21st century.

Release Function: