PM Modi addresses the reception in Durban.
Describing India as "one of the brightest spots" of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today offered the benefits of the country's economic progress to Africa, especially South Africa, for its larger good.
Pitching for increase in cooperation between India and South Africa, he said, "The history of our people-to-people ties provides a strong foundation to build our modern day partnership."
Addressing a reception hosted by the Durban Mayor in his honour, PM Modi said India and South Africa should take advantage of the "great opportunities that occupy our bright future".
"Today, India is undergoing an economic transformation. And, South Africa is one of the leading economies of Africa. Our trade and investment partnership is already substantial," he said just before winding up his two-day maiden visit to this country.
"Today, in our inter-dependent world India's growth story is one of the brightest spots. But, India's economic advance is not for the benefit of our society alone. The embrace of our partnership is open to the larger good of Africa and our friends like South Africa," the Prime Minister said.
Referring to Mahatma Gandhi's special association with South Africa and his concerns about his fellow South Africans, he said, "While our challenges in the 21st century may have changed, our developmental concerns are common. It would be my efforts, that the outcome of our development partnership reaches those sections of our society who needed the most, specially its youth."