Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral talks with 19 African heads of government ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi. The talks had a focus on fighting terrorism and pushing for reforms in the United Nations Security Council, said the ministry of external affairs.

Modi asserted that the fight against "international terrorism" can only succeed if there was "global concerted action". On the UN, the prime minister conveyed that it was time to "get together and take a firm stand" on pushing for the inclusion of India and Africa in the Security Council, saying that one-third of the global population cannot be kept away from the decision-making process.

Modi also discussed ways to enhance defence and maritime cooperation, boosting trade and economic engagement, particularly in oil and gas sectors, and expanding India's developmental projects in Africa, reported the Press Trust of India. The African leaders sought India's assistance in areas such as health, education, agriculture, mining, energy, tourism and fisheries.