Haryana Forges Stronger Ties with African Nations at Bharat Electricity Summit
In a significant address at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini articulated a bold vision for deepening the state's strategic and economic partnerships with African countries. Speaking on the third day of the summit during the India-Africa Strategic Partnership Meet, CM Saini highlighted that Haryana's engagement with Africa transcends mere business transactions, evolving into a profound "heart to heart" connection.
A Multi-Sectoral Approach to Mutual Growth
The Chief Minister underscored Haryana's emergence as a leader not only in industrial and economic domains but also in critical sectors such as:
- Agriculture and allied fields including animal husbandry, dairy, and horticulture.
- Manufacturing and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
- A vibrant startup ecosystem fostering innovation.
He emphasized that through mutual cooperation, both Haryana and African nations can share invaluable experience and expertise, thereby accelerating developmental progress. "The summit is not just an international meeting but a shared platform for building a better future through cooperation and collective growth," Saini stated, reflecting a common vision to fortify India-Africa relations.
Key Areas of Collaboration Highlighted
CM Saini outlined several pivotal sectors where Haryana and African countries can collaborate effectively:
- Agriculture and Allied Sectors: Potential for cooperation in modern technology, improved seeds, irrigation management, dairy development, and agro-based industries. He noted ongoing engagements with Kenya and Tanzania, where Haryana farmers can contribute to enhancing productivity.
- Energy and Infrastructure: Opportunities in energy generation and infrastructure development in nations like Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Saini credited former Chief Minister and current Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for transforming Haryana's power sector, achieving profitability in distribution, ensuring 24-hour electricity in over 90% of villages, and reducing line losses to approximately 9%.
- Multi-Sector Cooperation: Vast opportunities with Southern African countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe across diverse economic spheres.
- Climate Change and Renewable Energy: Calling climate change a global challenge, he advocated for joint efforts in renewable energy, water conservation, and environmental protection between India and Africa.
Haryana: A Preferred Investment Destination
Reinforcing Haryana's appeal to global investors, the summit witnessed a significant development. A delegation from the Japanese company TDK Corporation met with CM Saini and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, expressing intent to invest approximately Rs 4,000 crore in the state. This investment aims to establish a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) unit. Notably, TDK Corporation already operates an established facility spanning 180 acres in Sohna, Haryana.
"Haryana has emerged as a preferred destination among foreign investors," Saini remarked, pointing to growing interest from global companies. The state government is committed to promoting institutional collaboration, investment facilitation, and knowledge exchange to further bolster such partnerships.
A New Era of Friendship and Shared Success
In his concluding remarks, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed all participants and expressed confidence that the Bharat Electricity Summit would mark a new beginning of friendship, cooperation, and shared success between Haryana, India, and African countries. His address underscored a proactive approach to leveraging Haryana's strengths for mutual benefit, positioning the state as a key player in fostering robust international ties in the new era of global cooperation.
