An Indian delegation led by the Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, has stated that India will increase credit lines to Africa to $5,4-billion until 2012 from the current $2,15-billion. India also aims to boost technical and economic support to the continent, with a new deal with Malawi in assisting with the agriculture, mineral resources and small to medium enterprise sectors demonstrating India’s intent.

"The India-Africa forum summit which took place in 2008 has given a new thrust to India's engagement with Africa, as reflected by increases in exiting credit lines to Africa from $2,15-billion to $5,4-billion up until 2012," the delegation said in a statement.

"India has also earmarked a grant of $500-million to Africa in the next 5 to 6 years as well as an increase in the technical and economic cooperation training slots ... to African countries."

Reported by Engineering News