India found support in Africa in becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. During Dr Manmohan Singh's meet with the leaders of the African Union in Addis Ababa, the voice of Africa was unanimous in India bagging a permanent seat.
Secretary (west) in the ministry of External Affairs, Vivek Katju, said at Addis Ababa that the discussions between the Prime Minister and the African leaders were fruitful in nature.
On a question whether India is in competition with China where Africa was concerned, Katju said that it wasn't so.
"We have a direct relationship with Africa which is bilateral, regional and Pan African. The relationship with Africa is a comprehensive one and our engagement here should be seen in totality. Hence one should not imagine that we are racing with China or any other country where China is concerned," he said.
"India does not aim at interfering Africa's political affairs. We would want the private and public sectors to be more involved in Africa, and moreover, this is what Africa wants too. We are not guided by another consideration, but we are working on what Africa wants from us," he added.
"On Libya, India's stand has always been clear. India wants peace in Libya, and resumption of the political process. India also supports the efforts being made by the African union on this issue and the Addis Ababa declaration will have something to this effect," Katju said.
