President Murmu to embark on state visit to 3 African nations from Oct 13

President Droupadi Murmu will undertake a state visit to three African nations -- Algeria, Mauritania and Malawi, starting October 13, which is a reflection of India-Africa "growing partnership", the MEA said on Wednesday.

Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dammu Ravi, at a briefing here said the visit comes after the African Union became a member of the G20 at its summit last year under the Indian presidency of the grouping.

"This visit should be seen in the context of Africa as a continent and how India wishes to engage, and is looking at having a stronger partnership with Africa. It's a reflection of India-Africa growing partnership," he said.

Africa includes 54 countries and forms the "core of the Global South", Ravi said.

The first leg of President Murmu's three-nation visit will begin from Algeria, then onward to Mauritania, and it will end with Malawi.

Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the MEA, Arun Kumar Chatterjee, said President Murmu will visit .