India not competing with China to expand its sway over Africa

New Delhi, Mar 15 (PTI) India was not competing with
China or any other country to expand its influence in Africa,
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said
Monday.
"We don't see this as a competitive exercise between
the two countries," he told reporters at the India-Africa
conclave here.
The minister was asked if there was a competition
between India and China in winning over African support by
carrying out developmental work there.
There was "plenty of room for not only China and India
but also for the western world, Japan and others who wish to
participate in Africa's development," Tharoor said.
Pointing out that New Delhi was Africa's significant
partner in economic activities, he said, "India didn't need to
be seen from the prism of any other country."
"Our model of cooperation is very different from
others. We don't go in with our own agenda. We go to see how
we can help," Tharoor said.
Asked if India was concerned over the presence of Al
Qaeda in various African nations, the minister said the issue
was being discussed with the countries there. But he refused
to disclose further details. (More) PTI AJD
RBT


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