Chandigarh, August 29 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is emphasizing the role of the Global South and raising the voice of developing nations on global platforms. He noted that as the world looks towards the Global South, collaboration and partnerships are essential for collective growth.
Speaking at the 20th India–Africa Business Conclave 2025 organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Taj Palace, New Delhi, Saini highlighted that the unity of the Global South is crucial for solving global challenges. He added that India and Africa are building a future based on mutual trust, cooperation, technology, and inclusive prosperity. Their relationship, he said, is not limited to business but also rooted in historical and cultural ties.
The Chief Minister pointed out that bilateral trade between India and Africa has risen from USD 25 billion in 2006 to over USD 83 billion today, making India one of Africa’s top five trade partners. This partnership spans across trade, investment, technology, value chains, and development.
He underlined that cooperation between India and Africa is continuously expanding in sectors such as energy, health, digital public goods, skill development, agriculture, and education. Through CII, business leaders, policymakers, and industry experts are brainstorming to shape future collaborations.
On agriculture, Saini stressed that the sector is vital to India’s economy and employment, and despite climate challenges, India remains a global leader in many crops. Under PM Modi’s leadership, agriculture is witnessing historic growth, with a strong focus on increasing production, resource management, and market access through technology and innovation. The vision, he said, is to make farming sustainable and profitable.
He elaborated on initiatives like the ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’ portal for seeds, fertilizers, loans, and farm equipment, alongside MSP-based selling and prompt payments through the ‘E-Kharid’ portal. Incentives such as ₹8,000 for crop diversification, ₹10,000 per hectare for direct paddy sowing, and 85% subsidy on micro-irrigation are being provided. Haryana has also linked 108 mandis with the E-NAM platform for digital market access.
Saini added that Haryana is promoting organic and natural farming to improve soil health, solar energy usage in agriculture, and installation of solar pumps. He said entrepreneurs are receiving financial incentives under the state’s food processing policy, boosting youth-led enterprises. With 9,500 startups launched, the state aims to increase women’s participation in startups from 50% to 60%.
At the conclave, dignitaries including Mauritius Commerce & Consumer Protection Minister John Michael Yen Sik Yuen, South Africa’s Trade & Industry Minister Parks Mpho Tau, Guinea-Bissau’s Agriculture & Rural Development Minister Queta Belde, MEA Secretary Dr. Neena Malhotra, CII President-designate R.K. Mukundan, and Haryana CII Chairman Abhimanyu Saraf shared their views. Senior officials, including Amneet P. Kumar, Commissioner & Secretary of Haryana’s Department of Foreign Cooperation, were also present.
