External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar received Ghana's formal Instrument of Acceptance for the India-led International Big Cat Alliance during his official visit to Accra. This development highlights the expanding ties between India and West Africa. The International Big Cat Alliance is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition aimed at protecting major big cat species and their habitats.
The visit underscores the historic partnership between India and Ghana, rooted in their shared legacy of Non-Aligned Movement leadership. Jaishankar and Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade, conservation, and South-South development cooperation. India welcomed Ghana's accession to the International Big Cat Alliance, a global conservation initiative.
During his visit, Jaishankar paid homage at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial in Accra, laying a wreath to honor Ghana's founding father and first President. The memorial and museum showcase Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's vision of reliance, dignity, and freedom, reflecting the enduring historical ties between India and Ghana.
Jaishankar interacted with alumni of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program in Ghana, emphasizing the crucial role of human resource development in international partnerships. He noted that capacity building and skill enhancement form the core foundation of South-South cooperation, highlighting India's commitment to sharing expertise and technical knowledge.
The External Affairs Minister met with Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to discuss strategies for expanding the bilateral partnership between India and Ghana. They focused on deepening cooperation in sectors such as trade, investments, development assistance, pharmaceuticals, capacity building, defense, and technology.
Jaishankar's visit aims to consolidate relations between India and Ghana, with a focus on advancing their Comprehensive Partnership. The visit also seeks to strengthen India's engagement with the African Union and ECOWAS. Following his engagements in Ghana, Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Cote d'Ivoire and Ethiopia as part of his five-day official visit.
The India-led International Big Cat Alliance facilitates collaboration and synergy among stakeholders, consolidating successful conservation practices and expertise into a centralized repository. The alliance comprises big cat range countries, non-range countries, conservation partners, scientific organizations, and business groups committed to supporting big cat conservation efforts.
Key points
- Ghana joins the India-led International Big Cat Alliance to protect major big cat species and their habitats.
- India and Ghana discuss ways to strengthen bilateral trade, conservation, and South-South development cooperation.
- Jaishankar's visit aims to consolidate relations between India and Ghana, advancing their Comprehensive Partnership.
