New Delhi: President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi has arrived in New Delhi to represent the African Union (AU) at the 18th BRICS Summit, being hosted by India under its chairship.
President Ndayishimiye was warmly received by Minister of State Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma upon his arrival in the national capital.
His participation at the BRICS Summit highlights the growing engagement between India, the African Union and the wider Global South. The African Union’s presence at the summit provides an important platform to discuss shared priorities, including sustainable development, economic growth, food and energy security, technology, connectivity and greater representation of developing countries in global decision-making institutions.
India has been steadily strengthening its institutional partnership with the African Union, with cooperation spanning trade and investment, development partnerships, capacity building, healthcare, digital technology, agriculture, education and infrastructure.
The AU’s participation at the BRICS Summit also reflects the increasing importance of Africa in the Global South agenda and India’s commitment to working with African partners on common development and global governance priorities.
President Ndayishimiye’s visit is expected to further reinforce India’s engagement with the African continent and contribute to closer cooperation between India and the African Union on issues of mutual interest.