Chandigarh, March 21:- Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini said that in the new era of global cooperation, Haryana is moving rapidly towards further strengthening and expanding its relations with African countries. He said that Haryana has not only emerged as a leading state in the industrial and economic sector, but has also established its special identity in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy, horticulture and other allied sectors. In these areas, both will jointly share each other's experience and expertise with mutual cooperation and accelerate development.
Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini was addressing the 'India-Africa Strategic Partnership Meeting' organized in New Delhi under the 'India Electricity Summit- 2026' on Saturday. The programme was presided over by Union Minister for Power and Housing, Shri Manohar Lal, while Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Sripad Yesso Naik also addressed the summit.
Addressing the ministers, representatives and dignitaries of African countries, the Chief Minister said that the relations between Haryana and Africa are not limited to just trade transactions, but have gone beyond “business to business” to “heart to heart”.
He said that there is immense potential for cooperation between Haryana and Africa in agriculture and allied sectors. Partnership in the field of modern technology, advanced seeds, irrigation management, dairy development and agro-based industries will benefit both the parties. He also said that the Haryana Government is committed to promoting institutional cooperation, investment promotion and knowledge exchange in this direction.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that in the coming times, new dimensions of cooperation between Haryana and African countries will be established, which will not only give impetus to economic progress, but also realize the goal of shared development and prosperity at the global level.
He said that this event is not just an international meeting, but a common platform for building a better future through cooperation and collective development. He said that this summit will symbolize a shared vision and connection to further strengthen the relations between India and Africa.
Describing the long-standing relations between India and African countries, he said that this partnership is based on shared history, cultural connections, struggles and aspirations. Both the regions are emerging as strong voices of the ‘Global South’ and are linked by common development goals.
**Haryana small in size but strong in concept**
Describing the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that the India-Africa partnership is based on equality, trust and mutual respect, in which special emphasis has been given to inclusive and shared development without leaving anyone behind.
**Haryana the only state to set up a Department of External Cooperation**
Speaking on the role of Haryana, he said that the state is small in size but strong in concept and is making a leading contribution in agriculture, manufacturing and the innovative capacity of the youth. He said that Haryana is the only state in the country where a 'Department of External Cooperation' has been established, which he himself supervises, so that global cooperation in areas like trade, investment, skill development and cultural exchange can be enhanced.
Describing the energy sector as an important basis for development, the Chief Minister credited former Chief Minister and current Union Power Minister Shri Manohar Lal for the transformation of Haryana's power sector. He said that the state has achieved profitability in power distribution, ensured 24-hour power supply in over 90 per cent of the villages and reduced line losses by about 9 per cent. He said that Haryana is ready to share its experiences in energy management, digital governance and effective service delivery with African countries. He stressed on adopting an approach based on cooperation and mutual learning rather than competition.
**Strengthening investment and trade partnerships**
Describing the growing cooperation with African countries, the Chief Minister said that talks are underway in the agricultural sector with countries like Kenya and Tanzania, where Haryana farmers can contribute to increasing productivity with their expertise. He also pointed out the potential for energy production and infrastructure development in countries like Uganda, Ethiopia and Rwanda.
Describing the cooperation with the Tanzania Investment Centre, he said that this is opening up new opportunities in trade, agriculture, fertilizers and energy sectors and the high-level talks are increasing the confidence of investors.
Describing Haryana's diverse economy - agriculture, manufacturing, MSME and startups - he said that there is a vast potential for multi-sectoral cooperation with southern African countries like South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. West African countries — Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire — have opportunities in agri-business, food processing and dairy value chains, while East Africa has potential for cooperation in agricultural technology, irrigation, water management, healthcare and renewable energy. North Africa has opportunities for cooperation in textiles, logistics, food processing and solar energy sectors.
**Digital Transformation and Market Expansion**
Describing the India Electricity Summit as a symbol of a technology-based economy, the Chief Minister said that Haryana is committed to keeping its markets open and making trade more attractive. He said that the state wants to use its digital transformation experience to collaborate in improving public services, education, health, financial inclusion and digital literacy in Africa.
He called for joint efforts between India and Africa in renewable energy, water conservation and environmental protection, describing climate change as a global challenge.
The Chief Minister, while welcoming all the participants, expressed confidence that this summit will prove to be a new beginning of friendship, cooperation and shared success between Haryana, India and African countries.