NEW DELHI, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- India is all geared up to host its largest-ever diplomatic outreach program with Africa from Oct. 26.
Some 54 African countries are expected to take part in the third India-Africa Forum Summit and over 40 heads of state or government have already confirmed their participation, sources said Saturday.
"South African President Jacob Zuma, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Zimbabwea's Robert Mugabe are among those who have confirmed their participation," the sources said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the country is proud to host the Summit. "The Summit reflects India & Africa's desire to engage more intensively for a better future," he tweeted.
He added: "India's relations with Africa are historic. India is a major investor in Africa & trade has been growing remarkably in recent years."
While India will host top officials of the African countries on Oct. 26, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will host her African counterparts the next day, the sources said.
The summit meeting will be held on Oct. 29 in which heads of state or government will take part and bilateral meetings are slated for next day, the sources said.
