Uganda and India pledge enhanced cooperation in healthcare and trade

Uganda and India are set to deepen their partnership following productive bilateral discussions between Vice President Jessica Alupo and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, held during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, focused on bolstering joint socio-economic initiatives between the two nations.

VP Alupo represented President Yoweri Museveni at the summit, which convened under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Following her address to the plenary, Alupo engaged in talks with PM Modi, where they reviewed existing collaborations and identified new avenues for cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the ongoing relevance of the “Kampala Principles,” established during his 2018 visit to Uganda, as India’s guiding framework for engagement with African nations. Discussions between the leaders specifically targeted enhancing cooperation in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, digital technologies, and capacity building. Both leaders expressed commitment to working closely to strengthen bilateral ties and amplify the voice of the Global South on the international stage.

During the summit, President Museveni, through VP Alupo’s address, called for equitable global economic growth and critically examined historical Western exploitation. He cited the 15th century onward imperialist expansions as a significant setback for Africa and other regions, contrasting it with the current trade-driven development models exemplified by China and India. Museveni urged a global effort against “chauvinism and parasitism” to ensure shared prosperity.

PM Modi also emphasized the growing confidence in BRICS from the Global South, noting the bloc’s commitment to inclusive solutions. India announced several initiatives, including an early warning system for diseases and a framework for logistics supply chain cooperation, aimed at supporting emerging economies. Uganda holds official partner status within the expanded BRICS bloc, which continues to evolve as a significant counterweight to established Western-led global institutions.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)