India not competing with China to expand its sway over Africa: Tharoor

NEW DELHI: India was not competing with China or any other country to expand its influence in Africa, Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said today.

"We don't see this as a competitive exercise between the two countries," he told reporters at the India-Africa conclave here.

The minister was asked if there was a competition between India and China in winning over African support by carrying out developmental work there.

There was "plenty of room for not only China and India but also for the western world, Japan and others who wish to participate in Africa's development," Tharoor said.

Pointing out that New Delhi was Africa's significant partner in economic activities, he said, "India didn't need to be seen from the prism of any other country."

"Our model of cooperation is very different from others. We don't go in with our own agenda. We go to see how we can help," Tharoor said.

Asked if India was concerned over the presence of Al Qaeda in various African nations, the minister said the issue was being discussed with the countries there. But he refused to disclose further details.