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India FM begins key Africa visit India FM begins key Africa talks
(1 day later)
The Indian foreign minister is beginning a visit to Ethiopia for talks aimed at promoting relations between his country and the African continent. The Indian foreign minister is due to hold a meeting in Ethiopia with Indian ambassadors in sub-Saharan countries.
Pranab Mukherjee is due to meet members of the Ethiopian government and all of India's ambassadors in sub-Saharan Africa during his four-day visit. Pranab Mukherjee began a visit to Ethiopia on Tuesday for talks aimed at promoting relations between his country and the African continent.
He will also meet members of the Ethiopian government during his four-day visit.
Analysts say India has longstanding ties with Africa but has been pushed aside by China in recent years.Analysts say India has longstanding ties with Africa but has been pushed aside by China in recent years.
This is Mr Mukherjee's first visit to Africa after taking charge last year.This is Mr Mukherjee's first visit to Africa after taking charge last year.
Mr Mukherjee's talks on Wednesday with 18 Indian ambassadors are expected to concentrate on ways of increasing India's investment and economic influence in Africa and, in particular, competing more effectively with China.
A BBC correspondent in Addis Ababa says the Chinese are very visible in Ethiopia and all over Africa, prospecting for oil and gas and building roads and bridges.
Correspondents say that Mr Mukherjee will seek to boost trade ties with Ethiopia during his talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin.Correspondents say that Mr Mukherjee will seek to boost trade ties with Ethiopia during his talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Seyoum Mesfin.