African diplomatic missions favour joint strategy with India for a permanent solution to students crisis

NEW DELHI: The African diplomatic missions in Delhi have decided to adopt a cooperative approach and not a combative one and hope to formulate a joint strategy with the Indian government to address the issue of students from the continent having trouble with the locals.
The African diplomatic missions are currently in discussions among themselves to firm up their approach and may seek a meeting with the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to discuss a joint action plan for a permanent solution, diplomats from the African missions indicated to ET.

African students have been facing trouble particularly with locals in the Delhi-NCR region. Besides Bangalore witnessed certain incidents of harassment.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath and asked him to take strict action against perpetrators who attacked African students in Greater Noida. The Centre is constantly monitoring the issue to address the issue amicably in the spirit of better people-to-people contacts, officials told ET.

"Monday's incident in Greater Noida, in which several people of African origin were injured, is deplorable. The External Affairs Minister has spoken to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Law enforcement authorities of the district have made arrests and are investigating into this matter. They are also taking necessary steps to keep the situation under control," MEA spokesperson said Tuesday.

Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar spoke to the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria and assured the Acting High Commissioner of the steps being taken by local authorities for safety and security of Nigerian nationals.

"The government is committed to ensuring safety and security of all foreigners in India. People from Africa, including students and youth, remain our valued partners," assured the spokesperson.

India has deepened engagements across African nations with several outgoing and incoming visits since 2015 and Delhi hosted mega Indo-African Summit that witnessed presence of over 40 heads of state and governments.